India’s three-match T20I series against England has evolved into a crucial final audition ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, with injuries to key all-rounders Amanjot Kaur and Kashvee Gautam forcing the team management to rethink combinations just weeks before the tournament begins.
India had started building a settled structure around the two allrounders during last month’s T20I series in South Africa before both suffered significant injuries. Amanjot was ruled out with a back problem, while Kashvee Gautam sustained a knee injury shortly after making her T20I debut, eventually requiring surgery.
The setbacks have reopened competition for multiple spots in the XI and increased the significance of the England series, beginning in Chelmsford on Thursday. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur admitted the side now faces the challenge of balancing experimentation with the need to build momentum before the World Cup. “We have both things in our mind, at the same time we are looking for the combination and at the same time we are looking to win also because if you win before the World Cup that always gives you a lot of confidence,” Harmanpreet said in pre-series presser.
India’s top order remains largely settled with experienced names occupying the first six positions, but the absence of Amanjot and Kashvee has created uncertainty surrounding the lower middle order and the allround balance of the side.
Bharti Fulmali is among the players who could benefit from the reshuffle. The powerful middle-order batter has played only five T20Is since making her debut against England in 2019 but has continued to impress in domestic cricket with her ability to accelerate innings late. Her inclusion offers India a genuine power-hitting option lower down the order. Shreyanka Patil also strengthens India’s flexibility. The off-spin all-rounder’s ability to contribute in multiple phases gives India another route to balancing the side, particularly in conditions where spin could become a major factor during the World Cup.
Yastika Bhatia’s return adds further depth. The wicketkeeper-batter has not represented India since 2024 after undergoing knee surgery last year, but her comeback provides cover at the top of the order and an additional wicketkeeping option alongside Richa Ghosh. Left-arm spinner Radha Yadav is another important returnee. Radha last played a T20I during India’s previous England tour, where she produced a standout all-round performance at Old Trafford. She also enjoyed a strong Women’s Premier League season this year, contributing with both bat and ball while showcasing improved batting higher up the order.
Harmanpreet acknowledged India had initially expected Amanjot and Kashvee to play central roles during the World Cup before injuries forced a change in plans. “Amanjot and Kashvee have been very impressive talent for us, but unfortunately as they’re not available, we do have a lot of combinations in our mind and let’s see what is working for us” she said.
The India captain believes the England series will provide the clearest picture yet of which combinations are best suited for the World Cup. “These three matches will give us more clarity going ahead to the T20 World Cup because earlier — as Amanjot was there, Kashvee was there — we knew how things are going to be but now, new players in the side and hopefully we’ll try to give them as much opportunity so that they can be ready for the T20 World Cup,” Harmanpreet said.
England, meanwhile, are also dealing with injury concerns, with captain Nat Sciver-Brunt still recovering from a calf issue. The hosts recently defeated defending champions New Zealand 2-1 in a T20I series despite missing several senior players.
For Harmanpreet, the tour also carries personal significance. She made her T20I debut in England during the 2009 Women’s T20 World Cup, and returning to the same country with hopes of lifting the trophy adds extra motivation. “It will be a dream come true for any cricketer who got their debut in England and then winning the World Cup in England,” Harmanpreet said.
India will play the opening T20I against England in Chelmsford before the series moves to Bristol and Southampton. The World Cup begins on June 12, with India placed in Group A alongside Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Netherlands. Harmanpreet’s side will begin their campaign against Pakistan on June 14 in Birmingham.
Loves all things female cricket