“This is our best team ever at a T20 World Cup,” proclaimed India’s fearless captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, as her squad prepared to journey to Dubai. This bold statement, pregnant with ambition and confidence, reflects a team not just committed to breaking their championship drought but empowered by unprecedented stability within its ranks. Ten core members of the squad from the 2023 World Cup have been retained, forming the backbone of the team with their experience and chemistry. Complementing them are standout performers from the Women’s Premier League (WPL), bringing with them not only batting depth but also an intriguing variety of bowling skills. Stirring the pot further is a dynamic trio making impactful returns to the national setup thanks to the WPL’s platform.
In this current World Cup cycle, the specters of Australia and England as teams to beat loom large. Yet, India stands tall, boasting victories over these powerhouses in three confrontations each in recent times. This record is a testament to India’s growing prowess and fearlessness. Nonetheless, the year has not been without its speed bumps. A mismanaged pursuit of 190 runs against South Africa in Chennai and a surprising defeat to a Chamari Athapaththu-inspired Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final are noteworthy setbacks. Such experiences, particularly numerous disappointing knockout defeats, have driven the Indian team to embark on mental fortification journeys. Leveraging the expertise of a professional sports psychologist alongside extensive multifaceted skill camps under head coach Amol Muzumdar, the squad aims to recalibrate and prepare themselves to handle pressure better, especially in crunch situations.
With the World Cup’s shift from Bangladesh to the UAE, India’s diversified and spin-oriented bowling attack seems tailor-made for success in these conditions. What bolsters this confidence is a ‘top-of-the-class top-six’ batting lineup. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma bring steady form, while Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur carry with them recent half-centuries from both official warm-up and intra-squad matches. Amidst improvements and clarity around the No.
. 3 position, which had previously seen much experimentation, all-rounders like Richa Ghosh and Pooja Vastrakar promise late-inning firepower, rounding off a well-oiled machine aiming for elusive silverware.
When reflecting on recent form, India shows considerable promise with a sequence: Loss, Win, Win, Win, Win. As the squad lines up consisting of strong names like Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain), Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, and others, they look competent and poised for something special on the global stage. Furthermore, traveling reserves Uma Chetry, Tanuja Kanwar, and Saima Thakor, alongside non-traveling backups Raghvi Bist and Priya Mishra, provide contingencies in case of unforeseen circumstances.
One player earning particular attention is Shreyanka Patil. An off-spinning allrounder, Patil stands out with her pace and vigor, having distinctly marked her territory during the WPL 2024. She endured and overcame a finger fracture to lead her team to victory with stellar performances like the memorable 4/12 in the final. Her season culminated with the Purple Cap and recognition as the Emerging Player, incorporating a repertoire that includes lower-order hitting skills and nimble fielding. Patil’s promising career is underscored further by her success in the Women’s CPL 2023 as the leading wicket-taker, keeping fans and selectors excited about her potential impact on the World Cup.
The looming marquee match-up with Australia adds drama to India’s World Cup narrative. Historically a psychological stumbling block, Australia has previously shattered India’s T20 World Cup dreams and denied them a chance at CWG Gold. Both teams find themselves in the competition’s daunting ‘group of death,’ where India has a thirst to square the ledger following a narrowly lost three-match T20I series dominated by the current world champions. This late group stage clash in Sharjah, where Australia holds more match experience, promises to be a compelling encounter.
Looking back at 2023, India concluded their campaign as losing semi-finalists, only sharpening their resolve for the upcoming tournament. With fixtures lined up against New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the tantalizing bout with Australia, the road is set for an engaging and potentially historic campaign for the Indian women’s team. Pursuing their maiden T20 World Cup victory, the blend of seasoned stalwarts and vibrant young talent offers Indian cricket fans plenty to rally behind as they chase their dreams in the UAE this cycle.