Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of the Indian team, has been a vital player since her debut in 2009.
As the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup approaches, India’s batting lineup features some of the most talented players who have proven their skills on the international stage. The tournament, now relocated to the United Arab Emirates, is set to be a challenging one. Let’s take a closer look at the top five Indian batters who are expected to play pivotal roles in the team’s performance.
SmritiMandhana has been the cornerstone of India’s batting lineup since her debut in 2013. Over the span of 11 years, she has accumulated 3,493 runs in 141 matches, making her one of the most reliable players for India. Known for her elegant stroke play and ability to accelerate the innings, Mandhana has consistently delivered across various formats.
Her highest score of 87 may not reflect a century, but her ability to notch up 26 half-centuries shows her remarkable consistency. With a batting average of 28.86, she has often been the player India relies on to get off to a strong start. Despite not having a century to her name in T20s, her ability to build solid partnerships and score crucial runs makes her a key figure in the upcoming World Cup.
SmritiMandhana has accumulated 3,493 runs in 141 matches // Picture Courtesy — My Khel
Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of the Indian squad, has been a vital player since her debut in 2009. Her total of 3,426 runs in 173 matches makes her one of the most experienced batters in the squad. Known for her aggressive style of play, Harmanpreet brings a blend of power and finesse to the game.
She is the only Indian player in this list to have scored a century in T20 internationals, with a highest score of 103. Her 12 half-centuries further add to her credentials as a formidable middle-order batter. With a career spanning over 15 years, her leadership skills, combined with her batting prowess, will be crucial as India seeks to make a deep run in the tournament.
Jemimah Rodrigues is among the younger players who have quickly made their mark in international cricket. Since her debut in 2018, Rodrigues has been a consistent performer for India, scoring 2,074 runs in 100 matches at an impressive average of 30.50.
Despite being relatively new compared to her counterparts, Jemimah has already established herself as a dependable player in the Indian lineup. She has 11 half-centuries to her name and her highest score is 76. Her ability to play in both the top and middle order adds versatility to the Indian batting lineup. Rodrigues’ role in rotating the strike and anchoring the innings will be essential in high-pressure matches during the World Cup.
ShafaliVerma, one of the youngest stars in international cricket, has been a game-changer since her debut in 2019. Known for her explosive batting at the top of the order, Verma has racked up 1,948 runs in 81 matches with a highest score of 81.
With 10 half-centuries under her belt,Shafali’s aggressive style makes her a perfect opener for the T20 format. Her ability to take on bowlers in the powerplay overs can set the tone for India’s innings. Although her average of 25.63 may not be the highest, her strike rate and impact with the bat are often what matter most in T20 cricket. Her performance in the upcoming World Cup could be decisive in India’s campaign.
ShafaliVerma has been a game-changer for Team India // Picture Courtesy — Hindustan Times
Though primarily known for her bowling, Deepti Sharma’s contributions with the bat cannot be overlooked. In 117 matches, she has scored 1,020 runs, proving her ability to chip in with valuable runs lower down the order. Her highest score of 64 and two half-centuries show her potential to play important knocks under pressure.
Sharma’s average of 23.72 highlights her consistency, and her ability to finish games will be crucial for India in tight situations. With her ability to bat deep into the innings, she provides balance to the Indian team. Her role as an all-rounder gives India depth in both batting and bowling, making her one of the most valuable assets in the squad.
