Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: ‘India’s trump card has to be Richa Ghosh’ – Mithali Raj backs star finisher

Former India captain Mithali Raj shared her views on India’s middle-order concerns and the possibility of including Renuka Singh Thakur in the upcoming matches. According to Mithali, the frequent loss of wickets in the middle overs has increased the pressure on Richa Ghosh, who has often been left to stabilise the innings and finish games.

Mithali also explained why Renuka was left out of India’s clash against Pakistan. She felt that the team management opted against selecting the pacer because she was not fully in rhythm. However, Mithali believes Renuka remains a strong option and could return to the playing XI if conditions favour seam bowling.

“When we look at India’s batting unit, especially the middle order, we’ve been losing a couple of wickets in quick succession, which puts a lot of pressure on the incoming batters. We haven’t seen the kind of partnerships we’d expect from the No. 3, 4 and 5 batters, and that leaves a lot for Richa Ghosh to do when she comes in,” said Mithali on JioStar.

“She has done that role brilliantly, but even a 30-run partnership in the middle overs would give her a much better platform to launch from. As for Renuka, if India chose not to play her against Pakistan, it could indicate that the support staff feel she isn’t quite in the rhythm they want for this World Cup. That said, if the pitch offers pace and bounce, like we saw in Leeds, there’s no harm in going with three seamers,” she added.

Raj praised Jemimah Rodrigues for her improved mindset and approach, noting that the batter looked far more composed during India’s second game of the tournament. Mithali highlighted Jemimah’s maturity at the crease and felt her calmness played a key role in the innings. She also lauded Richa, calling her India’s trump card. Mithali emphasised that having a power-hitter like Richa is essential in the format.

“Jemimah’s form improved from the first game to the second, especially in terms of her mindset and approach. I felt she looked a bit hurried in the first game against Pakistan, but appeared much more composed in the second. There are always nerves in the opening game of a World Cup, regardless of how many international matches a player has played,” said Mithali.

“Hopefully, those nerves are settled now and she can get back to the run-scoring form we have come to expect from her. As for India’s trump card, it has to be Richa Ghosh. We saw her score a quickfire 34 in the first game, which helped India get to that 170-run mark. In this format, when you need a power-hitter in the last four or five overs, Richa can be the difference for India. Those extra 30-40 runs she can add at the back end of an innings will be crucial,” she added.

Raj expressed hope that Smriti Mandhana will go on to break the record she is chasing, while praising the opener’s consistency and longevity at the highest level. Mithali highlighted how both Mandhana and Deepti Sharma have carried their rich vein of form into the World Cup, playing crucial roles for the team.

“I don’t know when she will break that record, but I am certain she will. The good thing is that Indian players’ records are being broken by their compatriots, which means the record remains with India. That reflects the consistency and longevity of players like Smriti and Deepti. I hope both continue their fine form because their experience will be vital for India in this T20 World Cup and at the same time, they continue to inspire the younger players and help them grow alongside them, both on and off the field,” Mithali concluded.

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