Mandhana: ‘Shafali and I have a huge role to play’ at the T20 World Cup

Refining the Opening Partnership

The road to the T20 World Cup is rarely smooth, and for the Indian women’s cricket team, the recent T20I series against England served as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. Following a 2-1 series loss, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has taken personal responsibility for the side’s inability to secure explosive starts. With the marquee tournament fast approaching, the focus has shifted sharply toward the top order.

Mandhana, alongside her dynamic opening partner Shafali Verma, has acknowledged the mounting pressure. Despite their technical proficiency, the pair struggled to find consistency during the England series, recording opening partnerships of just 19, 27, and 0. Reflecting on these performances, Mandhana stated: Mandhana: ‘Shafali and I have a huge role to play’ at the T20 World Cup. It is a sentiment that underscores the importance of the duo setting the tone for the rest of the batting lineup.

Learning from Setbacks

While the results in England were disappointing, the team is viewing the experience as a vital learning opportunity. Mandhana noted that both she and Shafali are timing the ball well in practice, though that confidence has yet to fully translate into match-winning totals. The plan moving forward is simple: return to the nets, refine their approach, and return with a more aggressive, cohesive strategy. Both players recognize that providing a strong foundation is essential for maintaining momentum throughout an innings.

The series did offer several silver linings for India. Yastika Bhatia’s return from injury was a standout highlight, as she finished the series as the top run-scorer across both teams with 119 runs. Her form, combined with the leadership and batting brilliance of captain Harmanpreet Kaur, provides a solid backbone for the team.

The Power of the Middle Order

Harmanpreet Kaur’s unbeaten 56 off 40 balls in the series decider was a masterclass in pressure management. Mandhana was quick to praise her captain, stating, “Harman, when she is at her best, it is a sight to watch.” The ability of players like Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues to stabilize the innings is a huge positive for India. According to Mandhana, the goal is for the top order to do enough damage early on so that the middle order can play with even greater freedom.

Tactically, India has much to address. In the final game, India defended 180 but was undone by a brilliant 137-run partnership between Alice Capsey and Heather Knight. Mandhana admitted that while the team started well with the ball, they failed to build enough pressure through dot balls when it mattered most. This experience has provided the coaching staff with a clear blueprint of what needs to be adjusted before their World Cup opener.

Looking Ahead to the World Cup

The T20 World Cup looms large, and India’s campaign begins with a high-stakes clash against Pakistan on June 14 in Birmingham. Being pooled in a competitive group alongside Australia, South Africa, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands, India understands that every game is a must-win.

Beyond the technical side of the game, there is a palpable sense of excitement regarding the growth of women’s cricket. When asked about the upcoming match against Pakistan, Mandhana was reflective. “India-Pakistan doesn’t need hype,” she said, referencing the electric atmosphere of their previous encounter at the Commonwealth Games. The goal for this team is not just to perform well on the field, but to continue elevating the profile of the women’s game globally. As they head into their warm-up matches against the West Indies and England, the intent is clear: to learn, to grow, and to arrive at the tournament fully prepared to contend for the trophy.