As India’s women cricketers embarked on their journey to Dubai for the T20 World Cup, captain Harmanpreet Kaur confidently stated, “This is our best team ever at a T20 World Cup.” This statement reflects not only her belief in the squad’s potential but also highlights the newfound stability in a team determined to lay its hands on elusive silverware.
India’s squad exhibits a commendable level of continuity, retaining 10 members from the 2023 World Cup roster. Bolstering this experienced core are players who have been outstanding performers in the Women’s Premier League, thus providing the team with a deeper batting lineup and a diverse bowling attack. Moreover, a trio of players has made notable comebacks through stellar performances in the league, adding to the team’s strength.
While Australia and England remain formidable opponents, India has managed to notch victories against both teams in their recent encounters. However, the year wasn’t without its setbacks. A dramatic failure in chasing a target of 190 against South Africa in Chennai and a surprising defeat to Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final did cast shadows on the team’s otherwise brilliant form. Recognizing the need to manage pressure better, the squad has rigorously trained with a professional sports psychologist and attended multiple specialized skills camps since Amol Muzumdar assumed the coaching responsibilities.
The relocation of the World Cup from Bangladesh to the UAE has not deterred India’s plans. The team’s spin-heavy bowling attack is expected to thrive on the UAE pitches. The lineup starts with openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, who have been in excellent form. Following them are Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur, both having recently scored half-centuries in warm-up games. India has also settled the previously problematic no.3 batting spot, chronicling successful experiments over the past six months. Alongside efficient batters, India boasts a versatile array of all-rounders providing robust support for finishers Richa Ghosh and Pooja Vastrakar. Together, the squad is well equipped for a vigorous campaign aimed at seizing the coveted title.
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India’s current form guide in T20 Internationals reads: L W W W W, promising a reliable leadup to the World Cup contest. The squad, led by Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captained by Smriti Mandhana, showcases a blend of seasoned cricketers and promising newcomers. The full squad and reserves are meticulously selected to cover all bases.
One player to particularly watch is Shreyanka Patil, an off-spinning all-rounder. Patil sets herself apart with her remarkable speed, a quality she’s harnessed to become an indispensable asset rather than moderating it. Despite a finger injury during the Women’s Premier League 2024, Patil’s performance was critical, including a match-winning 4/12 in the finals that crowned RCB champions. Her stellar season, earning her 13 wickets and the title of Emerging Player, ultimately secured her place in the national team. Even before this, her achievements in the Women’s CPL 2023, as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, had already spotlighted her talent. Shreyanka’s capability to bowl across match phases, combined with her lower-order batting and fielding agility, makes her a crucial player for India.
The marquee match of the tournament for India is undeniably against Australia, a team that has thwarted India’s T20 World Cup aspirations in previous editions and denied them a gold medal shot at the Commonwealth Games. The group stage match against Australia, held in Sharjah, promises to be gripping. The psychological advantage historically held by Australia is significant; India will be eager to rebut this legacy of past defeats. Adding to the challenge, Australia will have the benefit of playing in Sharjah twice before clashing with India, potentially acclimatizing better to the local conditions.
As India prepares for the tournament, they aim to not just participate but to claim victory this time. Their league stage encounters are scheduled with New Zealand on October 4, Pakistan on October 6, Sri Lanka on October 11, and finally the crucial face-off with Australia on October 13. After finishing as losing semi-finalists in 2023, the team is more motivated than ever to break past barriers and seize the championship title, delivering on their captain’s promise of a team that could be India’s best yet.