"You need that sixth bowler" - Veda Krishnamurthy's big statement on India's playing XI for Women's World Cup 2025 semifinal against Australia

Former batter Veda Krishnamurthy reckons India must have a sixth bowling option in the playing XI for the Women's World Cup 2025 semifinal against Australia. The 33-year-old backed all-rounder Amanjot Kaur to find a place in the Indian team for the knockout clash against the Aussies.

The Women in Blue will take on Australia in the second semifinal of the World Cup at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Thursday, October 30. The winner of the match will face South Africa in the final on November 2.

India's team combination has been a matter of big debate throughout the Women's World Cup 2025. They have sacrificed bowling depth in some games to lengthen their batting. Speaking on the eve of the semifinal against Australia, Krishnamurthy urged India to play six bowlers in the knockout match. She told ESPNcricinfo:

"I would definitely want a sixth bowler because the sixth bowling option is Amanjot. She also gets in that depth in the batting. It is not like you are having a longer tail. With Aman coming in and batting at No. 7 or No. 8, it provides you the depth that is required. "I also feel in DY Patil, you need that option of a sixth bowler. It's not going to be an easy hunting ground for the bowlers. Regardless of what it is, you will go for runs, so you will need that extra bowling option," the 33-year-old went on to add.

Amanjot has played five matches in the tournament so far and has scored 119 runs at an average of 39.66, with a best of 57. With the ball, she has chipped in with five scalps at an average of 37.80.

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"Sneh Rana has done exceedingly" - Veda Krishnamurthy backs all-rounder for India's semifinal against Australia

India had rested a few players in their last league match against Bangladesh that produced no result due to rain. Unfortunately, opening Pratika Rawal got injured while fielding in the inconsequential game. She has been ruled out of the tournament and is set to be replaced by Shafali Verma.

Sharing her thoughts on India's playing XI for the Women's World Cup 2025 semifinal against Australia, Krishnamurthy backed Shafali's return and also picked Sneh Rana over Radha Yadav. The former India batter commented:

"With Amanjot already playing the last game against Bangladesh, I'll only want to get Shafali in place of Pratika, Kranti Goud in place of Harleen Deol and Sneh Rana for Radha Yadav. Or that is an option they can have open - Rana or Yadav."

Probed further on the debate between Rana and Yadav, she elaborated:

"The game that she [Yadav] played against Bangladesh, there is massive difference when you look at the quality of batters. She [Rana] was rested, so that means you would automatically make a comeback. Yes, Radha Yadav has done well, but you have to keep that aside and think what has worked for you and what is the first XI. Sneh Rana has done exceedingly."

Off spinner Rana has picked up seven wickets in six matches at an average of 45.42 and an economy rate of 5.67. As a lower order batter, she has contributed 99 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 113.79.

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Edited by Renin Wilben Albert