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India women’s cricket vice-captain Smriti Mandhana admitted the team failed to build pressure with dot balls in a recent match and stressed that the mistake cannot be repeated as they prepare for the upcoming Cricket World Cup. Speaking after the game, Mandhana said, “We were not able to build pressure with dot balls. We can’t repeat the mistake in the WC,” highlighting a key area the team must improve before the global tournament.
The 2-1 loss to England in T20Is has put the spotlight on India’s batting strategy and ability to control the flow of runs. Mandhana explained that failing to bowl dot balls allowed the opposition to stay in the game and build momentum. “In hindsight, we would have done things differently,” she said, adding that the team is reviewing the match closely to understand where things went wrong. Coming ahead, the focus is on correcting these errors and building stronger pressure situations in the middle overs.
India’s women’s team, which recently won their maiden ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in November 2025 by defeating South Africa by 52 runs in Navi Mumbai, now faces the challenge of maintaining that momentum. The historic victory at the DY Patil Stadium marked 50 years since their first World Cup appearance, but this recent setback reminds the team that consistency is key. Mandhana, who has been a cornerstone of India’s batting lineup, emphasized that the team remains a work in progress despite their recent success.
As the World Cup approaches, the Indian team will need to address their dot-ball strategy quickly. Mandhana’s candid comments show the team’s commitment to learning from their mistakes and coming back stronger. With high expectations from fans and a young squad full of talent, India will aim to turn this lesson into a winning formula on the global stage.
