The Indian women’s team arrived in England carrying high expectations after securing the Women’s ODI World Cup title last year. The T20 series against England was viewed as a crucial opportunity to assess preparations and adapt to local conditions before the World Cup campaign.
Following the third T20 International, Mandhana acknowledged that both she and fellow opening batter Shafali Verma would need to shoulder greater responsibility during the upcoming tournament.
“Playing a series in England, where we will also play the T20 World Cup, has been very beneficial from a preparation perspective. Looking back, I feel that both Shafali Verma and I have a very important role to play going forward,” Mandhana said.
She admitted that while both openers have been striking the ball well, they have not been able to make substantial contributions for the team.
“We are timing the ball well, but unfortunately we have not been able to make major contributions for the team. We will return to the practice nets and continue working hard. We will ensure that we come back stronger as an opening pair because we take pride in providing strong starts and maintaining momentum. We will take responsibility and continue to work hard,” she added.
Mandhana also reflected on India’s bowling performance during the series, indicating that the team would reassess its plans before the World Cup.
“From a bowling perspective, we will go back to the drawing board and evaluate the better options available. We did that before this series and perhaps we can revisit those plans. I think we now have a clearer understanding of which deliveries are most effective in these conditions,” she said.
India will begin its ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against Pakistan in Birmingham on June 14. Ahead of the highly anticipated encounter, Mandhana urged the media not to focus exclusively on the India-Pakistan clash.
The third T20 International also witnessed a captain’s innings from Harmanpreet Kaur, who scored a half-century under pressure. Praising her skipper, Mandhana said Harmanpreet at her best is a remarkable sight.
“When Harmanpreet is at her best, it is wonderful to watch. It was a very important innings under pressure, especially when we needed a score of 180 or more. That kind of contribution was exactly what the team required,” Mandhana said.
Apart from Harmanpreet’s performance, Mandhana expressed satisfaction with the form of India’s batting unit ahead of the World Cup.
“I am genuinely very happy. I believe everyone is in good form. It is a positive sign before entering the T20 World Cup. Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet, and the entire batting group are performing exceptionally well,” she said.
Although the series defeat against England exposed areas requiring improvement, it also offered India an opportunity to gain valuable experience in English conditions. With key batters showing promising form and the team refining its strategies, India will aim to convert those lessons into success when its Women’s T20 World Cup campaign begins against Pakistan on June 14 in Birmingham.
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