More than 48 years since India contested its first ICC World Cup match, on Jan 1, 1978, the side arrives in England for the Women’s T20 World Cup on Friday with ICC silverware already secured for the trophy cabinet.Last year’s ODI World Cup victory at home reshaped the outlook for women’s cricket in India, raising expectations and strengthening confidence. With the tournament starting on Friday, captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her squad have the chance to further confirm their standing among the sport’s leading teams.Preparation across the last 12 months has been marked by uneven results. India opened well with a 3-2 series win in England, then delivered a commanding 5-0 clean sweep of Sri Lanka at home and a strong 2-1 series success in Australia. In recent weeks, however, they have struggled to maintain that drive. A 1-4 loss to South Africa highlighted areas of concern, and England then registered a 2-1 series victory over India not long ago.Fitness issues have further complicated matters. All-rounder Amanjot Kaur and the highly rated quick Kashvee Gautam have both been ruled out. Opener Shafali Verma may also be asked to add value with her off-spin.Yastika Bhatia’s return after almost nine months out offers a useful lift. Slotted in at No. 3, the left-hander brings balance and experience to a batting line-up that has often lacked steady output.India’s prospects are likely to depend heavily on their batters. Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet, Shafali Verma, Yastika and Jemimah Rodrigues can control bowling attacks, yet turning promising starts into meaningful totals has remained a familiar issue.There are positives to take. Several Indian players know English conditions well through The Hundred. Smriti, Harmanpreet, Jemimah, Deepti Sharma, Shafali and Richa Ghosh have all spent significant time playing in England, which should help them judge pitches and conditions.For Jemimah, this event could carry added importance. Although she has previously done well in England, she comes into the tournament with just one half-century in her last eight innings. India will want her to find form again, while experienced figures Harmanpreet and Smriti must take charge of setting the early tempo, with the powerplay still an area needing improvement.The bowling unit also raises questions. Renuka Singh will lead the pace attack, with Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy and Nandani Sharma offering additional choices. Among the spinners, Deepti Sharma’s recent drop in effectiveness increases the load on Radha Yadav, Shree Charani and Shreyanka Patil, who may be crucial if India choose to go in with five bowlers.Elsewhere, several challengers arrive with strong narratives. Australia, the most decorated side in women’s cricket, will aim to re-establish control under new captain Sophie Molineux after failing to win a World Cup since 2024. South Africa is still pursuing their first ICC title, while hosts England will seek to make the most of familiar conditions.Defending champions New Zealand, meanwhile, are pushing for one more success for departing senior players Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates and Lea Tahuhu.India open their campaign against Pakistan at Edgbaston on Sunday.
