“This is our best team ever at a T20 World Cup,” declared Harmanpreet Kaur confidently as India prepared to take off for Dubai. It’s a statement that resonates with cautious optimism, yet it is hardly an exaggeration coming from a captain who commands a side defined by an unprecedented level of stability and promise. With a remarkable ten players retained from the 2023 World Cup squad, India seems more prepared than ever. Furthermore, the squad is bolstered by Women’s Premier League stars, enhancing the team’s batting depth and providing greater diversity in their bowling attack. Among this talented mix, several players are crafting their comeback stories, inspired by the league’s opportunities.
Throughout this World Cup cycle, Australia and England have remained the formidable teams to surpass. However, the Indian team proudly boasts comprehensive victories over both these powerhouses in their trio of encounters each. The year hasn’t been without its setbacks, though. A mishandled chase of 190 against South Africa in Chennai and a surprising defeat in the Asia Cup final, thanks to a Chamari Athapaththu-inspired Sri Lanka, are reminders of the challenges faced. These defeats preceded their journey to the World Cup, prompting introspection and strategy shifts. Dealing with pressure, especially given their history of knockout-stage setbacks, has been addressed rigorously. Under the guidance of a professional sports psychologist, alongside numerous skill camps initiated by Amol Muzumdar, the team aims to refine their expressive gameplay and mental resilience.
Despite the relocation of the World Cup from Bangladesh to the UAE, the composition of a spin-centric attack remains an asset for the team, aligning well with their acclaimed ‘top-of-the-class top-six.’ Notably, openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma have been displaying impressive form, with teammates Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur securing half-centuries in both official warm-up and internal matches over recent months. With the number three position now firmly identified after a period of experimentation and a robust lineup of all-rounders supporting finishers Richa Ghosh and Pooja Vastrakar, India’s squad appears primed for a quest to secure the elusive trophy.
Form Guide (recent T20I matches): L W W W W
Squad Details:
– Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain)
– Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain)
– Shafali Verma
– Deepti Sharma
– Jemimah Rodrigues
– Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper)
– Yastika Bhatia (wicketkeeper)
– Pooja Vastrakar
– Arundhati Reddy
– Renuka Singh Thakur
– Dayalan Hemalatha
– Asha Sobhana
– Radha Yadav
– Shreyanka Patil
– Sajana Sajeevan
Traveling Reserves: Uma Chetry (wicketkeeper), Tanuja Kanwar, Saima Thakor
Non-Traveling Reserves: Raghvi Bist, Priya Mishra
Player to Watch: Shreyanka Patil stands out among India’s array of off-spinning all-rounders.
. Her rapid pace adds a unique edge to her bowling, making it her hallmark rather than a facet to be restrained. Overcoming a finger fracture in the middle of the Women’s Premier League 2024, Patil’s tenacity led the Royal Challengers Bangalore to a notable victory, with her standout performance delivering figures of 4/12 in the final. Capping the season with the Purple Cap for her 13 wickets in eight matches, Patil was also named the Emerging Player of the Season—an accolade that paved her way to the India cap. Her impact was already evident during the Women’s CPL 2023, where she emerged as the leading wicket-taker, claiming nine scalps at an average of 11.66. Her ability to bowl across all game phases, coupled with her lower-order hitting potential and agility in the field, positions her as a player to watch closely.
Key Matchup: India enter the tournament as one of the favored teams, yet Australia consistently presents a psychological challenge. Australia has thwarted India’s T20 World Cup aspirations in the last two tournaments and dashed their pursuit of the inaugural Commonwealth Games Gold Medal. In the current World Cup cycle, these teams have clashed once, with Australia claiming a thrilling 2-1 series victory. India’s resolve to amend this record is palpable. Adding intrigue is that their game against Australia is the only group match for India in Sharjah, happening after Australia’s two prior games there, potentially giving the Aussies an edge in understanding the conditions.
Summary of 2023 Performance: Losing semi-finalists
Full League Stage Schedule:
1. vs New Zealand, October 4 in Dubai at 6 PM local | 7:30 PM IST
2. vs Pakistan, October 6 in Dubai at 2 PM local | 3:30 PM IST
3. vs Sri Lanka, October 11 in Dubai at 6 PM local | 7:30 PM IST
4. vs Australia, October 13 in Sharjah at 6 PM local | 7:30 PM IST