India plans swift review ahead of brutal CWC25 phase
Richa Ghosh paid credit to South Africa after India's three-wicket loss and vowed to 'learn and improve' ahead of their tough upcoming stretch of games at the World Cup.
It wasn't the result the hosts after, suffering their first ICC Women's Cricket World Cup defeat at the hands of a defiant South Africa.
But the mood is set to remain calm and determined inside the Indian camp, as they begin preparation for a stretch of games against fellow contenders starting with Australia on Sunday.
Richa Ghosh (94 off 77) starred with the bat for India, as they set the Proteas a target of 252 for victory. And to South Africa's credit, they completed the run chase with seven deliveries to spare. The keeper-batter came in earlier than anticipated after they suffered early wickets, but Ghosh ensured India posted a competitive total.
South Africa script miracle win against India | Match Highlights | CWC25
A spectacular performance from Nadine de Klerk helps South Africa hand India their first defeat at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025.
Speaking to media post-match, Ghosh wasn't playing the blame game and vowed India would respond quickly.
"We played well, and so did they," she said.
"Of course, it would’ve felt great if we’d won, but we gave it our all. It’s OK — we’ll come back stronger in the next match. One match doesn’t define (the top-order). Anything can happen in cricket; it’s our job to do our best every time. We played until the last ball and tried to get as many runs as possible.
"Whatever plans we had, we tried to execute them. The pace bowlers followed their plans too. But credit to the opposition — they batted really well. The way they hit the ball was outstanding. I think full credit goes to them for playing such good shots.
Ghosh credits Proteas after India loss | Post-match Press Conference | CWC25
India keeper Richa Ghosh said full credit to South Africa's batters as the Proteas chased down the victory target against her side at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup
"We’ll sit down and review — see what went well, where we can improve, and how we can keep learning every day. There’ll be a meeting for that. One game won’t change our mindset. We’ll plan things step by step during practice sessions and stay positive. Whatever lessons we got from today’s match, we’ll carry those forward."
It's vital India identifies the necessary learnings — they play unbeaten reigning champions Australia on Sunday. Following the Aussies, India's next two matches are against fellow heavyweights England and New Zealand. And they will need Ghosh to remain at her hard-hitting best.
"If the ball was in my zone, I went for the shot; if not, I tried to rotate the strike as much as possible because the partnership was most important," she continued.
"That was what was going on in my mind. And because everyone trusts me, I think that gave me confidence too."
India Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh (wk), Kranti Gaud, Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Sneh Rana
Richa Ghosh's incredible counter attack | Player Highlights | CWC25
Watch Richa Ghosh in full flow against South Africa in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 clash.
