As India’s women’s cricket team prepares for the T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, captain Harmanpreet Kaur confidently declared, “This is our best team ever at a T20 World Cup.” While bold, her assertion isn’t far from the truth, reflecting a squad rooted in stability and bolstered by exceptional talent. The Indian team, marked by its continuity and cohesive lineup, heads to the UAE with 10 members retained from their 2023 World Cup squad, showcasing a blend of experienced players and emerging stars who have excelled in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
Despite the challenging competition from cricket powerhouses Australia and England, India enters the tournament with victories against both in their recent encounters, earning respect in the cricketing community. However, their journey hasn’t been without setbacks. A bungled 190-run chase against South Africa in Chennai and a surprising defeat to Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final have served as crucial learning experiences. Determined to overcome past knockout stage defeats, the team has worked tirelessly with a professional sports psychologist and undergone numerous skills camps under the guidance of coach Amol Muzumdar.
India will employ a spin-heavy attack, a strategy likely to benefit from the UAE’s conditions, along with a formidable top-six batting lineup. Opener Smriti Mandhana and her partner Shafali Verma have shown consistent form, while Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur bring momentum with half-centuries from recent warm-up matches. The team’s batting depth is further strengthened with numerous all-rounders and strong finishers like Richa Ghosh and Pooja Vastrakar.
India’s squad reflects both balance and depth, with Harmanpreet Kaur leading the charge as captain, supported by vice-captain Smriti Mandhana. The prodigious Shafali Verma, versatile Deepti Sharma, and promising young talents such as Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh round out a team that blends youth with experience. The bowling lineup is fortified by players like Renuka Singh Thakur and Radha Yadav, with a trio of capable spinners prepared for the turning tracks of the UAE.
.
An intriguing addition to the squad is Shreyanka Patil, whose performance in the WPL stands out. Known for her skillful off-spin and aggressive pace, Patil became a key player for Royal Challengers Bangalore, securing the Purple Cap with 13 wickets and claiming the Emerging Player award. Renowned for her ability to bowl in all phases of the game and her lower-order batting potential, Patil is one to watch during the tournament.
India’s strategic focus will also be on the much-anticipated marquee clash with Australia. Despite India’s status as a tournament favorite, Australia poses a significant psychological challenge, having previously dashed India’s World Cup aspirations. Grouped in what is dubbed the ‘group of death,’ India faces an uphill battle as Australia remains a daunting opponent. Having already faced the reigning champions in a three-match T20I series, India seeks to overturn past results and gain an upper hand in Sharjah, where Australia is already familiar with the conditions.
The Indian team’s journey to claim the long-awaited silverware begins with an engaging lineup of matches. Their campaign kicks off against New Zealand on October 4 in Dubai, followed by a crucial encounter with traditional rivals Pakistan on October 6. The team will look to avenge their Asia Cup upset against Sri Lanka on October 11, before heading into the critical showdown against Australia on October 13.
Reflecting on their 2023 performance, India enters the World Cup as semi-finalists, aiming to surpass that achievement and claim the coveted trophy. Under Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership, the team is poised to turn potential into success, striving for a breakthrough victory that would bring an elusive triumph to Indian women’s cricket. As the tournament approaches, the anticipation builds, and Indian fans hope that this squad’s blend of youth, experience, and strategic adaptability will finally see them raise a major trophy on the world stage.