Mithali: Batting is the Strong Pursuit of Indian Team at Women's T20 WC

NEW DELHI — Former captain and legendary batter Mithali Raj delivered a candid assessment of the national squad on June 19, 2026, emphasizing that while batting is the strong pursuit of the Indian team, power-play bowling is currently not a strength at the ongoing ICC Women's T20 World Cup. Speaking during a JioStar Media Day conference, Raj evaluated India’s performance following their initial Group A victories against Pakistan and the Netherlands. Her remarks arrive at a critical juncture as the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side prepares for highly anticipated encounters against South Africa, Bangladesh, and reigning champions Australia.

Analyzing India's Power-Play Bowling Vulnerabilities

Despite a perfect start to their campaign with two consecutive wins, Raj highlighted that the first six overs of India's bowling innings lack the necessary penetration to dismantle top-tier international lineups. The absence of key personnel due to injuries has forced tactical shifts that have disrupted the team’s defensive plans.

According to Raj, the injury-enforced absence of right-arm off-spinner Shreyanka Patil and an out-of-form seam attack have left visible gaps in the early overs. While the team is also missing prospects like Kashvee Gautam and Amanjot Kaur, Raj stressed that the current squad must find ways to achieve early breakthroughs to alleviate pressure during the power-play phase. She noted that failing to take early wickets allows opposition line-ups to construct massive platforms before the spin metrics can be properly deployed.

Solid Top-Order Foundations and Finishing Firepower

In contrast to the bowling department's inconsistencies, the former captain praised the strategic authority exhibited by the top order. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has earned significant praise for her situational awareness, particularly in anchoring the innings after early disruptions.

Mandhana’s composed knocks of 68 against Pakistan and 74 against the Netherlands have provided a steady foundation. Coupled with a resurgent half-century from opening partner Shafali Verma, the team's top tier continues to justify why batting is the strong pursuit of the Indian team during this global tournament. Furthermore, the late-overs capability of wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh adds finishing firepower to the final five overs, provided the middle order can consistently build stable partnerships.

Impact of the Women's Premier League (WPL)

Raj also commented on the structural growth of the domestic game, attributing the elevated confidence of incoming international rookies to the development of the Women's Premier League (WPL).

The introduction of the high-stakes T20 league has significantly professionalized the sport across India, ensuring that younger domestic players are no longer overawed when stepping onto global stages like the World Cup. This continuous infusion of young talent is a major reason why batting remains the strong pursuit of the Indian team, even as the team struggles to stabilize its bowling unit.

Official Sources Section

The expert commentary and operational assessments were recorded during the official broadcaster's press pool on JioStar Media Day, which features tournament panel experts sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Supplementary player statistics and match outcomes were cross-verified via official tournament metrics released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Quote Section

"According to officials and tournament expert Mithali Raj, the first six overs of our bowling innings is something where I expect whoever is bowling to get us breakthroughs. Right now, if you ask me, it is our batting that is the strong pursuit of the Indian team."

Why It Matters

For cricket fans and corporate investors backing women's sports leagues, identifying these technical imbalances explains the tactical adjustments expected in upcoming matches. If India cannot fix its early-overs execution before facing powerhouses like Australia, their tournament run could be cut short. Resolving these issues is vital for maintaining the sport's rapid commercial and structural momentum nationwide.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Vulnerability Identified: Power-play bowling is labeled as a weakness due to a lack of early breakthroughs.

• Injury Impact: The squad's depth is affected by an ankle injury to primary spinner Shreyanka Patil.

• Core Asset: Scoring consistency from Smriti Mandhana proves that batting is the strong pursuit of the Indian team.

• Upcoming Matches: India faces critical Group A matches against South Africa, Bangladesh, and Australia.

FAQ Section

Why does Mithali Raj believe batting is the strong pursuit of the Indian team?

Raj points to the excellent form of Smriti Mandhana, the explosive late-overs hitting of Richa Ghosh, and improved game awareness from the top order as factors making the batting line-up India's primary asset.

What is currently wrong with the Indian power-play bowling?

The team has struggled to pick up early wickets in the first six overs, a problem made worse by injuries to key bowlers like Shreyanka Patil.

Who will India play next in the tournament?

India is scheduled to face South Africa on June 21, followed by matches against Bangladesh and Australia later in the group stage.

Source: International Cricket Council, Board of Control for Cricket in India