Smriti Mandhana And Shafali Verma Urged To Regain Form Fast By Diana Edulji

Former India captain Diana Edulji has said that strong performances from openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma will be crucial to India’s prospects in the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup. India enter the tournament, scheduled from June 12 to July 5, after a 1-2 series defeat to England, with both openers struggling for form during the series.

Edulji noted that Mandhana and Verma’s recent lean patch could be a concern, but stressed that India’s chances in the global tournament will largely depend on how quickly the opening pair regains rhythm. She underlined that once the duo finds form, it could significantly strengthen India’s batting unit and improve their overall performance in the competition.

India are placed in Group 1 alongside six-time champions Australia and South Africa, but Edulji dismissed the idea of an easy or difficult group, pointing out the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket. She said that in the shortest format, any team can win on a given day, and matches are often decided by small moments rather than rankings or reputation.

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The former captain also expressed confidence in the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side, suggesting that the team should build on the momentum of past successes in women’s cricket. She said that consistent World Cup performances are important for sustaining the growth of the women’s game in India and reflected on how recent achievements have positively impacted the sport’s profile in the country.

Edulji further highlighted the volatility of T20 cricket, noting that even brief lapses in batting or bowling can dramatically change the outcome of a match. She added that maintaining focus throughout all phases of the game is essential for success at the highest level. India will open their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on June 14, a fixture that always draws significant attention. However, Edulji downplayed expectations of a closely contested encounter, stating that India have historically dominated the rivalry in women’s cricket.

She also described the upcoming one-off Test match against England at Lord’s on July 10 as a historic milestone for women’s cricket. The match will be the first women’s red-ball fixture at the iconic venue, adding symbolic significance to the occasion. Edulji, who recalled her own experience of being denied entry to the Lord’s Pavilion during the 1986 tour due to restrictions on women, said the moment represents how far the women’s game has progressed.

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