A fresh layer of suspense unfolded at the DY Patil Stadium as vice-captain Smriti Mandhana walked out for the toss inspection in place of Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur, amid continuous rain interruptions before the Women’s World Cup Final against South Africa.
Just when fans expected the toss to finally take place after long weather delays, Smriti’s unexpected appearance in Harmanpreet’s stead raised eyebrows and social-media chatter — with many wondering whether the skipper was unavailable for the big finale.
Harmanpreet not visible yet — but no injury concerns
Team sources suggest Harmanpreet Kaur is fit and available, and this was only a temporary stand-in situation given the multiple ground inspections and rain-forced chaos. Smriti likely stepped in while Harman was briefly indoors as the team reset plans between weather breaks.
There is no indication that Harmanpreet will miss the match.
How the build-up unfolded (latest updates)
2:10pm local: Covers stay on, toss delay likely
2:17pm: Blue skies, covers start coming off
2:23pm: Umpires assess; puddles near boundary
2:26pm: Toss scheduled for 3 PM, start at 3:30
2:34pm: Rain returns, umbrellas up again
~3 PM: Heavy showers, “bucketting down” moment
3:55 PM: Loud cheers — covers off again
4:02 PM: Umpires inspect with skippers
4:08 PM: Drizzle again, covers back
Toss rescheduled: 4:32 PM, first ball 5 PM (zero overs lost)
4:15 PM: Umpires call both captains — Smriti Mandhana arrives, not Harmanpreet
Fans react as confusion builds
The sight of Smriti leading discussions briefly sparked speculation:
“Is Harman out?”
“Why is Smriti suddenly doing toss duties?”
However, clarity followed — Harmanpreet is expected to walk out once conditions settle.
Weather still playing spoilsport
Despite periods of sunshine, intermittent showers and repeated cover movement continue to hold the game hostage. The latest spell again brought covers on just when hopes were rising.
The final toss announcement remains pending as umpires continue to monitor the outfield.
