India’s 15-member squad for the ICC T20 World Cup, starting October 3rd in the UAE, is set to make a splash. After a string of narrow exits, including a heartbreaking loss to Australia by just 5 runs at the 2023 World Cup in South Africa, the team is eager for redemption. Their best result was as runners-up in 2020. This year, India faces a tough challenge in Group A, alongside Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Former Indian captain Diana Edulji is optimistic about India’s chances, suggesting they could match the success of their male counterparts led by Rohit Sharma. The tournament kicks off with India’s first match against New Zealand on October 4th, followed by games against Pakistan on October 6th, Sri Lanka on October 9th, and Australia on October 13th.
Edulji, who excelled in her career with 63 wickets and 404 runs in 20 Tests and 46 scalps in 34 ODIs, stated, “I wish Harman and Smriti all the best. The BCCI has done immense [good] for women’s cricket and now it’s time for us to return all they have done for us ever since we merged with them [in 2006]. Let’s give them the trophy. It would be a great thing if we could win this trophy; nothing like the men and women being T20 world champions [in the same year.]”
Every opponent poses a challenge, and the outcome depends on how each team performs on that particular day, regardless of their past head-to-head records, she emphasised, “Every team is tough at the World Cup. Sometimes, a weak team can beat a big team, so we have to just play as per [the situation] on that day and not worry about the opponent’s reputation — play to your strengths, not theirs. The way they [Indian players] are playing at the moment, I don’t think they should change their game. It’s T20 cricket, so there is no sense changing the game for T20s, but put a price on your wicket, don’t throw it away unnecessarily.”
India must address two key concerns: finding a consistent number three batter and ensuring the fitness of Shreyanka Patil, who is recovering from a fractured finger but remains in the squad subject to fitness. Edulji noted, “Do we have any more choices? I hope Yastika gets fit so that the No. 3 position is taken care of. Shreyanka will also be a good asset if she is fit. They should see to it that they get to their fitness levels quickly. Otherwise, it’s a good balance.”
India kicked off their 2024 campaign with a T20I series against the six-time T20 World Champions, Australia. During the series, Jemimah Rodrigues took the number three spot. Subsequently, Yastika Bhatia, Dayalan Hemalatha, and Sajeevan Sajana stepped into key roles of the number three spot across two bilateral series against Bangladesh and South Africa, as well as the Asia Cup 2024. Meanwhile, Patil has featured in 12 T20Is for India since her debut against England on December 6, 2023, claiming 16 wickets, with her best performance being 3 for 19 against England. Her fitness will be pivotal for India’s success.
As the tournament approaches, India’s blend of talent and experience will be crucial to their success. With strong preparation and strategic gameplay, they are poised for a compelling campaign.
(Quotes sourced from Mid-Day)