The celebrations have died down, but the demands of elite sport are shifting rapidly. After their historic ODI World Cup triumph – India’s first ICC title in women’s cricket – the focus now shifts to a new challenge. With little time to think, India begin preparations for the Women’s T20 World Cup in England next year, moving from the 50-over championship to the tougher demands of the shortest format.
This journey begins with a five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, with Visakhapatnam and Thiruvananthapuram hosting the opening matches. The series represents the first step in the recalibration of a side that has tasted glory in ODIs but knows that T20 cricket has been far less forgiving.
Memories of past T20 World Cups remain mixed. The heavy defeat to Australia in the 2020 final at the MCG still stings, while the group stage exit in the previous edition underlined how quickly momentum can wane across formats. These failures serve as a reminder that success in one arena does not guarantee dominance in another.
However, the ODI World Cup win showed this team’s ability to learn, evolve and react under pressure. Sri Lanka is more than a warm-up — it’s an opportunity to address old scars, test new combinations and start another transformation, this time in T20 cricket.
FOCUS ON HARMAN, SMRITI
Smriti Mandhana remains pivotal for India. Courtesy: PTI
As India head into the series, the spotlight naturally falls on Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur, the two pillars of their ODI World Cup triumph. Their form, leadership and influence will be crucial not only for this competition but also for India’s wider T20 World Cup build-up.
Management has been talked about since the World Cup. Former captain Shantha Rangaswamy’s suggestion that Harmanpreet consider handing over to Mandhana sparked debate, but Anjum Chopra supported continuity and insisted Harmanpreet remains India’s best captaincy option. For now, stability prevails.
For Harmanpreet, the T20 World Cup was a stage of unfulfilled promise, defined by near misses and heartbreak. This phase offers her an opportunity to change that narrative and replicate the decisive leadership she displayed during the ODI triumph.
Meanwhile, Mandhana carries the momentum. After a quiet start to the ODI World Cup, she finished in impressive form. India’s hopes in England will depend on her ability to start strongly and maintain the intensity as she often sets the pace and conviction for the side.
Apart from the senior duo, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma and Shafali Verma remain key batting figures while Renuka Singh, Kranti Goud and Shree Charani will look to extend their bowling impact. This mix of experience and new talent will shape India’s transition from ODI success to T20 ambitions.
THE EXPERIMENTS BEGIN
Vaishnavi Sharma earned her first call to India. Courtesy: Getty Images
With the T20 World Cup already in sight, India’s preparations are already in full swing. Much like the approach that underpinned their ODI World Cup triumph, the selectors have once again put their faith in youth, underscoring a long-term vision alongside immediate goals.
Vaishnavi Sharma and G Kamalini headline the fresh inclusionsboth played a key role in India’s successful U19 T20 World Cup title defense earlier this year. Their selection reflects more than reward – it signals a belief in potential. Vaishnavi made an immediate impact at the junior level with a remarkable hat-trick and five-wicket haul, while Kamalini impressed with fearless, eye-catching strokes that highlighted her natural talent.
Kamalini’s rapid rise has continued ever since. Her stellar performances earned her a contract with Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League in 2025, and the franchise’s decision to retain her for the upcoming season further confirmed her growing reputation. Now he is on the verge of taking another step forward as international opportunities open up.
The upcoming five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka offers both the youngsters a valuable platform. Impressive outings could not only cement their spots but also deepen India’s talent pool ahead of the T20 World Cup. In hindsight, this series could mark a defining phase in shaping India’s next global push.
CAN ATHAPATTH PROCEED?
Chamari Athaptahthu remains a key part of Sri Lanka’s international arrangement. Courtesy: PTI
In Sri Lanka, much of the narrative of the series centers around their talismanic captain Chamari Athapaththu – a proven match-winner and the heartbeat of the side in limited-overs cricket. Few players shoulder the responsibility the way Athapaththu does, and Sri Lanka’s fortunes often rise and fall with their performances.
The veteran endured a tough ODI World Cup where Sri Lanka managed just one win against Bangladesh — secured by Athapaththa’s final heroics. After that point, results were hard to come by, reinforcing a familiar reality: for Sri Lanka to compete, their captain must lead from the front. If Athapaththu stands tall, the team follows; if they don’t, the challenge becomes steep.
He will need support from a core group that includes Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Nilakshi de Silva, Inok Ranaweera and Harshith Samarawickram, all of whom have shown the ability to influence games. Also of interest is 26-year-old Nimasha Madushani, the only uncapped player in the squad, whose inclusion suggests Sri Lanka’s intention to expand their options.
India, meanwhile, start the series as firm favourites, armed with home conditions and recent success. Sri Lanka’s hopes rest largely on their captain, while a strong start for both sides could provide a significant confidence boost ahead of 2026.
1. T20I, IND-W vs SL-W: PITCH & CONDITIONS Visakhapatnam
Vizag will host a T20I for the first time since 2014. Between 2010 and 2014, the pitch was not particularly batsman-friendly, with an average first-innings score hovering around 118. However, after 11 years, the surface has undergone a makeover and now offers much better batting conditions, as seen at the start of this year’s ODI World Cup.
There is no rain forecast in Vizag, temperatures will hover around 24°C. Humidity will remain in the low to mid 70s, making for comfortable cricketing conditions.
1st T20I, IND-W vs SL-W: HEAD TO HEAD
India dominated Sri Lanka in the T20Is, winning 20 of the 26 matches between the two sides, with Sri Lanka claiming five wins and one match ending in a draw. India have won four of the six encounters at home. Sri Lanka’s most memorable win over India came last year when they triumphed in the Asia Cup final.
1st T20I, IND-W vs SL-W: Predicted XI
India: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Richa Ghosh (WK), Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Renuka Singh, Kranti Goud, Shree Charani
Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu (C), Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Rashmika Sewwandi, Nilakshi de Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Inoka Ranaweera, Malki Madara, Kawya Kavindi
– The end
Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
December 21, 2025
