"India should go with three main spinners", former India cricketer Gargi Banerjee predicts change ahead of West Indies challenge

India was down and out against a determined New Zealand team in Hamilton yesterday. The girls in blue could not handle the pressure from the Whites Ferns as the bowling and batting looked average in the last match. Ahead of their much-awaited clash against West Indies Women's, former Indian Cricketer Gargi Banerjee feels India should opt for a change in their lineup.

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India made a change in the last match as they dropped Shafali Verma and brought in Yastika Bhatia at the top of the order. However, the plan did not work in favour for them as Yastkia looked uncomfortable throughout her inning of 28. "Yastika is playing her first world cup. So, you can not expect something huge from the first match. She tried her best. But the New Zealand bowlers were on target with their bowling and fielding plans," Gargi Banerjee said in an exclusive interview with Sportz Point.

"Not only Yastika, but Smriti also could not find gaps as the field position and bowling was top notch by the New Zealand bowlers. Smriti needs to find a way to score, quickly," she added.

Amellia Kerr after departing Indian Captain Mithali Ra. Image - Twitter

After an array of low scores for Shafali Verma, India opted to change the top order. But, according to the former Indian cricketer, Shafali will be brought back into the team and this break for her can do wonders. "Shafali needed the break. She will surely be back in the team. This break can do wonders for her. I am expecting a good inning from her tomorrow."

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In the bowling department, India was below par against New Zealand. Except for young sensation Pooja Vastrakar and Jhulan Goswami, everyone was taken to the boundaries by the Kiwi batters. Meghna Singh, Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana had an economy of 6.12, 6.50 and 6.40 respectively.

"Look you need to be economical. You need to be consistent. Meghna has not been consistent enough in the last two games. If you are not taking wickets, you need to make sure you are not leaking runs."

"I saw some changes in Deepti Sharma's bowling. She was floating the ball, which is not normal to her. She needs to be bowling what she is good at doing, hitting the pitch and extracting help from the pitch," Gargi Banerjee added.

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With Meghna Singh leaking runs, Gargi Banerjee feels India will bring Poonam Yadav's leg-spin in the eleven against West Indies. "I think India will not go with three pacers. They will bring Poonam and drop Meghna as Pooja and Jhulan are doing a great job with the ball.

"Deepti Sharma, Poonam Yadav, Rajeshwari Gayakwad will be the main three spinners. Sneh Rana will come in as a batting all-rounder," she added.

Meanwhile, West Indies will be coming from two huge wins against New Zealand and England. Thus, India will have to be at their best to beat them. "For me the threat is Matthews. She is batting very well. And, India needs to be cautious against Anisa Mohammed. If they can play 10 overs of Anisa without giving her a wicket. They will be doing a great job."

The West Indies vs India match will start at 6.30 am IST.

Stats to look for in the WIW vs INDW Match

Jhulan Goswami is only one wicket away from being the highest wicket-taker in the Women's ODI World Cup. She currently has 39 wickets against her name in the Women's World Cup.