India’s Women in Blue scripted history by clinching their maiden ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title in 2025, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium, and Deepti Sharma’s securing the player of the tournament honour.
India ended 2025 with a clean sweep 5-0 against Sri Lanka in a T20 series, and in 2026, all eyes shift to the T20 World Cup in England, where former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan predicts a strong showing, crediting the timely Women’s Premier League (WPL) as a major boost.
Pathan, chatting on JioHotstar, stressed the WPL’s January 9 to February 5 schedule across Navi Mumbai and Vadodara as perfect preparation for the June July T20 spectacle.
“Playing WPL before the World Cup gives plenty of options in case of injuries and gives them match practice,” he said, noting the current squad’s depth. High confidence from the ODI triumph, coupled with improved power hitting, should translate effortlessly to T20s, Pathan added.
Post WPL and Australia tour, India is slated to face England in a T20I series, days out from the World Cup, which further strengthen India’s lead-up. “Once we adapt to English conditions, it would be hard to stop India,” he noted.
The team enters with momentum from a 5-0 Sri Lanka sweep, facing tough challenges against their biggest opponent Australia on June 28, against Pakistan on June 14, and against the ICC ODI World Cup runner ups South Africa on June 21, and against two more teams on 17 June and 25 June yet to qualify.
The 2025 World Cup semifinal victory flipped the script India’s rivalry with Australia, long a “bogey team,” as ex-pacer Varun Aaron put it. A record-breaking chase in the semifinal against the defending champions, fueled belief in this team to overcome any challenge with teamwork and dedication and it gave them the motivation that they can conquer all.
Aaron highlighted that fans and BCCI supported and celebrated the historic moment, though Australia will look to take revenge. WPL’s T20 intensity will sharpen skill, give experience to play under pressure and most importantly build momentum.
Key performers like Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur blend ODI poise with T20 flair, backed by backups ready via WPL exposure. Pathan’s view resonates with strategic timing, mental edge, and depth position India for T20 glory.
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