India Women’s World Cup T20 checklist: Key areas to fix in England series

India’s preparations for the Women’s T20 World Cup have seen a mix of ups and downs. They started strongly with a 5-0 home win over Sri Lanka last December before traveling to Australia to secure a historic 2-1 series win, their first series win in a decade. Shreyanka Patil made a strong impact on her comeback and produced a man-of-the-match performance in the series.

However, the momentum faltered soon after as India endured a difficult tour of South Africa, lost the series 1-4 in a disappointing campaign where the team struggled for consistency.

With that behind them, attention now firmly turns to the future and the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup. Before the tournament, India will play a three-match T20I series with England, followed by two warm-up matches.

While the setback against South Africa may have unsettled the side, Harmanpreet Kaur’s India still have valuable opportunities ahead of them to settle combinations, restore rhythm and fine-tune their team ahead of the global event.

Here are the key areas for India Women to focus on in the T20I series against England as they advance to the T20 World Cup.

GIVE NANDNI SHARMA FULL

Nandni Sharma is yet to make her India debut. Courtesy: PTI

Now that Nandni Sharma earned her first call in Indiathere is no point in keeping her on the bench during the T20I series against England. Although she is not currently in India’s first-choice pace plans for the World Cup, she should get an opportunity in all three matches to build exposure and experience.

Since there is always a possibility of injury, one of the three pacers: Renuka Singh Thakur, Kranti Goud or Arundhati Reddy may be unavailable at some stage, so it is important that the reserves are ready for the match. Kranti Gouda’s knock against England last year is a reminder of how quickly young bowlers can come into their own when given a chance.

Nandni has already shown a strong pedigree in the WPL where she impressed for Delhi Capitals by dismissing top international names like Smriti Mandhana, Sophie Devine, Beth Mooney and Meg Lanning. While she lost a wicket against the ECB Development Women’s XI on Monday, her spell remained disciplined, conceding just 18 runs in three overs.

With clear potential and proven ability, India now have the opportunity to properly prepare Nandni Sharma for the demands and pressure of a World Cup campaign.

LET RADHA, YASTIKA BACK

Yastika Bhatia returned to the Indian team after an injury break. Courtesy: PTI

The England series is also an opportunity to assess the form of Radha Yadav and Yastika Bhatia. Radha, India’s second-highest wicket-taker in women’s T20Is, returns after almost a year on the sidelines. In her absence, Shree Charani cemented her place in the lineup after winning the Player of the Series award in her debut T20I series against England last year.

However, Radha’s value goes beyond her bowling. She is widely regarded as one of India’s best fielders as she has taken some outstanding catches over the years. She has also added depth with the bat, highlighted by her maiden WPL fifty and match-winning runs for RCB in the final, underscoring her ability to contribute in pressure situations.

Meanwhile, Yastika Bhatia remains Rich Ghosh’s back-up goalkeeper. She was part of the ODI World Cup squad before an injury sidelined herand has also missed out on WPL 2026. The left-handed batsman will be looking to regain his match sharpness ahead of the World Cup and is also a viable back-up option if required.

On Monday, Yastika showed encouraging form against the ECB Development Women’s XI, scoring 47 off 35 balls with six fours. However, international cricket presents a different challenge and the England T20I series will be crucial for both Radha and Yastika to get valuable game time ahead of the World Cup.

INDIA’S FAST BOWLING NEEDS IMPROVEMENT

Kranti Goud has struggled for form of late. Courtesy: PTI

India’s fast bowling came under scrutiny during the series against South Africa where the attack struggled to maintain consistency. Laura Wolvaardt capitalized on the loose bowling as Kranti Goud, Renuka Singh Thakur and Arundhati Reddy escaped at crucial stages.

Arundhati has endured a difficult run, managing just one wicket in four matches at an average of 123, while Renuka and Kranti have also struggled to find their rhythm. With England expected to help the seam bowling, India’s pace unit will have to be much more disciplined and alert from the start. However, there are positives to draw from.

Kranti Goud’s five-wicket haul at Chester-le-Street last year remains a strong confidence booster, while Arundhati Reddy’s three wickets against the ECB Development Women’s XI should help boost her morale. Meanwhile, Renuka Singh Thakur continues to pose a threat with her ability to swing the ball both ways.

If the trio find their rhythm early, they can cause serious problems for the opposition batsmen. There were also concerns about Deepti Sharma’s form, but her five-wicket haul against South Africa provided timely relief. Overall, India still have the depth and resources to bounce back strongly with the ball.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

27 May 2026 09:25 IST