India’s build-up to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 is being shaped by experimentation and long-term planning, as the ongoing series against South Africa is used to test combinations rather than chase immediate results. With just over 50 days remaining before the tournament, the focus has been on developing a flexible and well-rounded bowling unit, even as India trails 0-2 in the series.
Bowling coach Aavishkar Salvi underlined that the approach is intentional, with the management prioritising exposure and adaptability across the squad. “The kind of impact we want to create during this series, it’s like we want to try out different combinations so that everybody is ready with a little bit of game time coming into the main event,” Salvi said ahead of the third T20I. The idea, he suggested, is to ensure that multiple players are prepared to step into different roles when required, rather than relying on a fixed set of options.
This strategy has seen India rotate bowlers through various phases of the innings, including the powerplay — an area where results have not yet followed. Across the first two matches, India have managed just one wicket in the opening six overs, while South Africa have dominated with the bat, losing only six wickets in total to take a 2-0 lead. Despite that, the team management remains committed to building depth rather than reacting to short-term outcomes.
“There are a lot of trials and combinations being tried out in terms of who will bowl in the power play, what are our options,” Salvi explained, pointing to the broader objective behind the experimentation. He added, “So, we are just creating an option bank for all of us and in that while, we are missing out on picking up those early wickets, I can understand. But if you see the larger picture, we are actually giving opportunities to all the bowlers to operate into that segment so that we don’t rely only on a few bowlers coming into the main event.”
Facing a strong South African side has also been viewed as a valuable part of the preparation. With the hosts having reached the finals of the last two T20 World Cups and the 50-over World Cup in 2025, the challenge has been both significant and necessary. “See, coming into the series, we always thought that it would be a great series for us where we would be challenged by a stronger position and it’s a good preparation for us for the upcoming World Cup. And obviously, we came charged up, we came prepared and we are fully motivated,” Salvi said.
While the scoreboard has not reflected India’s ambitions so far, confidence within the camp remains steady. The emphasis continues to be on gradual improvement, role clarity, and readiness ahead of the global tournament. With three matches still to play, there is an opportunity to refine combinations further while also regaining momentum.
Salvi struck an optimistic note about the team’s outlook, saying, “Two games doesn’t justify what sort of, you know, side we are. So, there are another three games to go and girls are feeling comfortable, confident about their own abilities and I’m sure they are going to bounce back stronger.”
As India continue their preparations, the current phase appears to be less about immediate success and more about ensuring that when the World Cup begins, they possess both the depth and versatility needed to compete at the highest level.
(Quotes sourced from pre-match press conference)
Loves all things female cricket