Confusion briefly sparked at the DY Patil Stadium on Saturday as vice-captain Smriti Mandhana walked out for an interaction with match officials in place of India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, leading to speculation over whether the captain had been ruled out of the Women’s World Cup Final against South Africa.
At 16:15 local, 10:45 GMT, the umpires summoned both captains once again to assess ground conditions — however, it was Smriti who arrived, with Harmanpreet not immediately present. This raised questions among fans and viewers about Harmanpreet’s availability for the high-stakes final.
Why did Smriti walk out instead of Harmanpreet?
Team sources indicate there is no injury concern and Harmanpreet is very much available to play. Given the ongoing rain delays and repeated calls from officials, Smriti likely stepped in temporarily while Harmanpreet was occupied indoors with team preparations. There is no indication the skipper will miss the match.
Full rain delay timeline — chaos before the big final
It has been a frustrating afternoon in Navi Mumbai as rain continues to disrupt proceedings:
2:10pm local: Covers remain on, no movement from groundstaff, toss likely delayed.
2:17pm: Blue skies appear and covers begin to come off.
2:23pm: Umpires chat with captains; puddles visible near boundary.
2:26pm: Toss scheduled for 3 PM, match for 3:30 PM.
2:34pm: Covers come back on; umbrellas up again.
14:55 local, 09:25 GMT: Umpires check outfield — “It is BUCKETING DOWN folks!”
3:55 PM: Loud cheers — covers going off again, sunshine breaks through.
4:02 PM: Umpires inspect again; discussions continue with both skippers.
4:08 PM: Covers return yet again despite blue skies. Toss pushed to 4:32 PM and start to 5 PM, with no overs lost at that stage.
4:15 PM: Umpires call both captains again — Smriti arrives, not Harmanpreet. New rain spell forces covers back on.
Fans react as suspense builds
Viewers on social media panicked momentarily, questioning whether India would take the field without their experienced leader. But reassurance has followed — Harmanpreet is expected to lead the side once play begins.
What next?
With rain still around and covers on again, the wait continues. Officials will reassess conditions before deciding on the toss and revised playing conditions.
India vs South Africa Women’s World Cup Final remains in weather limbo — and the tension is only growing.
