India Women aim to erase T20 World Cup scars after ODI title glory

The memories of the Women's ODI World Cup triumph are still fresh. Harmanpreet Kaur, taking the catch to dismiss Nadine de Klerk, feels like it happened only yesterday; such was the impact and significance of that moment. But that victory is now in the past. India still have unfinished business in the T20 format as they prepare to take the field in the Women's T20 World Cup.

In 2020, Alyssa Healy gave them nightmares in broad daylight at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as Australia outclassed India in their first-ever final in the tournament's history. In 2024, when the World Cup was held in the UAE, India entered as one of the favourites because of their familiarity with the conditions, but their campaign ended in disappointment as they crashed out in the group stages.

In between, in 2023, India had a golden opportunity to beat Australia in the semi-finals, only to fall short after stumbling at the death. But all of that is now part of history. In the ODI World Cup in 2017, India were undone by a spell from hell by Anya Shrubsole at Lord's, while Deepti Sharma's untimely no-ball in 2022 denied them a place in the semi-finals.

There will, therefore, be hope that if India could put aside years of heartbreak in ODIs to finally lift the World Cup, they can do the same in T20Is as well. This will be India's first ICC tournament since becoming world champions last year, and expectations will undoubtedly be high. In fact, the spotlight on them is likely to be far brighter than it was the last time they entered a global event.

POOR FORM TO HURT INDIA?

India have endured a mixed run in the last few months. They began with a thumping 5–0 series win over Sri Lanka at home before following it up with a 2-1 triumph over Australia. That victory was particularly special as it marked India's first bilateral series win over Australia in a decade. Shreyanka Patil, who made her international comeback during the series, played a key role in the decider in Adelaide and was named Player of the Match.

However, since then, India have found life considerably tougher, struggling for form and failing to consistently live up to expectations. South Africa handed them a 4-1 defeat when India toured the African nation. The middle order looked fragile throughout the series, often failing to capitalise on strong starts provided by the top order.

The bowling unit was also below par, with the pace trio of Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Goud and Renuka Singh Thakur coming under heavy pressure. Deepti Sharma's form was another major concern before she returned to her best with a five-wicket haul in the fourth T20I.

India's struggles continued in the T20I series against England, which they lost 2-1. Nandini Sharma emerged as a major positive after an impressive showing on debut, while Yastika Bhatia also enjoyed a strong comeback following a lengthy injury layoff. However, the inability to clinch the series remained a concern.

That said, it is worth remembering that India had also lost an ODI series to Australia at home before going on to win the ODI World Cup last year. They have already shown that they can respond when their backs are against the wall. The question now is whether they can do it once again.

CAN SMRITI, HARMAN STEP UP?

If India are to win the World Cup, their batting unit will have to step up in a big way. During the series against England, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma looked noticeably out of form. However, India will be encouraged by the fact that both batters found runs in the warm-up matches. Mandhana, in particular, has fond memories of England, having scored her maiden T20I century there last year, and she is well aware of the demands of the conditions.

Yastika Bhatia was recently the highest run-scorer in the series against England and marked her comeback with a blistering 31-ball half-century. Jemimah Rodrigues has also looked in excellent touch, highlighted by a match-winning knock in the series opener against England. Then there is captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who will be appearing in her 10th Women's T20 World Cup. India will hope she can draw on her vast experience and lead from the front when it matters most.

Richa Ghosh was only 15 when she made her Women's T20 World Cup debut in 2020. The memories of that heartbreaking final defeat are unlikely to have faded. Since then, she has evolved into one of India's most important batters and a dependable finisher, renowned for her ability to accelerate under pressure.

Deepti Sharma, meanwhile, has struggled for runs in T20Is over the last couple of years, but given her experience and all-round value, India will expect her to make a significant contribution when the stakes are highest.

SPIN TO WIN?

While the matches will be played in England and Wales, where pace is expected to play a significant role, India should not underestimate the impact their spinners can have. Just think back to the series against England last year. Shree Charani made her T20I debut in that series and went on to win the Player of the Series award. Moreover, if the warm-up matches are any indication, spin could once again prove to be a decisive factor, especially against the West Indies.

Shreyanka Patil and Radha Yadav shared all seven wickets that fell in that game. Shreyanka claimed four wickets, while all three of Radha's wickets came in the same over, including that of the dangerous Deandra Dottin. A look at some of the other warm-up matches further underlines the value of spin. Alana King cleaned up Nat Sciver-Brunt with a sharp arm-ball, while Alice Capsey produced a similar delivery to dismiss Beth Mooney.

England's commitment to nurturing spin bowling on increasingly supportive surfaces is evident from the quality of options in their squad, including Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Charlie Dean and Capsey. India, too, possess a formidable spin attack. Alongside Shreyanka and Charani, they have the experienced Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav.

While Renuka Singh Thakur, Kranti Goud and Arundhati Reddy are likely to attract much of the attention given the seam-friendly conditions, India's spinners could prove just as influential. If conditions offer even a hint of assistance, they have the ability to seize key moments and turn matches on their head.

Overall, India possess a squad capable of making a deep run in the tournament. This is a team that has repeatedly shown its ability to bounce back when backed into a corner. Now, they have an opportunity to put the heartbreak of 2020 behind them and prove that their ODI World Cup triumph was not a one-off. The challenge before them is to translate their potential into success and establish themselves as a dominant force in limited-overs cricket.

India squad for Women's T20 World Cup

Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Shree Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Nandani Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Kranti Gaud, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav

India schedule for Women's T20 World Cup

• June 14: India Women vs Pakistan Women, Edgbaston (Birmingham) - 7:00 PM IST
• June 17: India Women vs Netherlands Women, Headingley (Leeds) - 7:00 PM IST
• June 21: India Women vs South Africa Women, Old Trafford (Manchester) - 7:00 PM IST
• June 25: India Women vs Bangladesh Women, Old Trafford (Manchester) - 7:00 PM IST
• June 28: India Women vs Australia Women, Lord's (London) - 7:00 PM IST