“This is our best team ever at a T20 World Cup,” asserted Harmanpreet Kaur with palpable optimism as the Indian women’s cricket team prepared to set off for the vibrant city of Dubai. Her proclamation, from a captain who has seen the highs and lows of international cricket, may indeed have merit. For the first time, India appears to possess a perfect blend of stability and prowess, owing to an unprecedented retention of talent and emerging stars from the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
The current squad showcases ten players who have proved their mettle in the 2023 World Cup. This continuity is supplemented by standout performers from the WPL, enhancing the batting prowess and enriching the bowling attack with variety. What’s more, this squad includes a trio of players staging a strong comeback, bolstered by the opportunities presented by the league.
Though Australia’s and England’s cricketing strength remains unmatched, India has managed to edge them out in three head-to-head battles each this year. However, the team faced significant challenges, notably a failed chase against South Africa in Chennai and a surprising defeat in the Asia Cup final where Sri Lanka, led by Chamari Athapaththu, triumphed. Learning from these setbacks, the team has placed a strong emphasis on managing pressure—a crucial skill necessary to overcome a history dotted with knockout-stage disappointments. This goal is being pursued with the guidance of a professional sports psychologist, complemented by skill-enhancing camps since Amol Muzumdar assumed coaching responsibilities.
The relocation of the T20 World Cup from Bangladesh to the UAE introduces new variables, but fortunately, India’s spin-heavy attack is poised to excel in such conditions. The formidable ‘top-of-the-class top-six’ batting lineup is equally promising. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma are in splendid form, and the likes of Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur have recently showcased their flair with half-centuries in preparatory matches. The elusive No.
. 3 position, which saw much experimentation, is now settled—a relief for the strategic direction of the team. Depth is further fortified by all-rounders who are primed to support finishers like Richa Ghosh and Pooja Vastrakar, positioning India as a serious contender for the highly coveted silverware.
India’s form leading into the tournament—marked by a sequence of victories overshadowed by a solitary loss—underscores their readiness: Form Guide (latest T20I first) – L W W W W.
The squad, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, includes key players such as Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, and all-rounders like Deepti Sharma and Pooja Vastrakar. Adding firepower are wicketkeepers Richa Ghosh and Yastika Bhatia, alongside bowlers like Renuka Singh Thakur. The players to watch will include Shreyanka Patil, especially noted for her quick off-spin bowling, a standout talent in the circuit. Patil’s toughness was exemplified by her comeback from a finger fracture to lead RCB to a historic victory in WPL 2024. Her accolades include the Purple Cap and being named the Emerging Player of the Season, which secured her a place in the national squad.
The fixture against Australia stands out as a veritable test. Historically, Australia has been a formidable adversary, dashing India’s World Cup hopes in previous editions. Both teams find themselves in the ‘group of death’, and India, keen to rewrite history, will encounter Australia after they have already familiarized themselves with Sharjah’s conditions—an advantage India does not share.
India opened their campaign in October against New Zealand in Dubai, followed by a rivalry match against Pakistan, and a game against Sri Lanka. The climactic group-stage match against Australia will unfold in Sharjah. A strategic vision paired with a seasoned, stable squad suggests that India’s quest for T20 glory could finally culminate in realizing their silverware ambitions, moving beyond the shadows of past near-misses.