As the Indian women’s cricket team prepares to lock horns against England in a riveting 5-match T20I series, followed by a three-match ODI series starting June 28, 2025, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The wounds of the group-stage exit from the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, India’s first such exit since 2016, are still fresh.
For Harmanpreet Kaur and her team, this England series is about much more than redemption; it’s the first step in building a squad primed to challenge for the ultimate prize at the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales from 12th June next year. Here are some of the Indian players to watch out for, whose performances could be pivotal, not just for this series, but for shaping India’s T20 World Cup fortunes.
Radha Yadav: The Spin Dynamo eyeing to seal her spot in the starting 11
At just 25, Radha Yadav’s left-arm spin has emerged as a vital weapon in India’s T20I arsenal, especially in the last couple of years. Ranked as India’s third-highest wicket-taker in T20Is during this phase, with 34 wickets at a stingy average of 15.20 and an economy of 6.46 from 23 innings, Radha’s influence is steadily growing. Her standout figures of 4/29 against West Indies at DY Patil Stadium in December 2024 showcased her ability to deliver match-turning spells under pressure.
But Radha is more than just a bowler. Her lower-order batting can add valuable runs in those tense final overs, while her agility in the field often saves crucial runs. With her Delhi Capitals experience in the WPL (14 wickets, 74 runs at a blazing strike rate of 145.09), she is on the brink of establishing herself as India’s go-to spinner alongside Deepti Sharma. Consistency in this England series could go a long way in potentially cementing her place in the World Cup squad, a critical role as India looks to fine-tune its spin attack for English conditions.
Sayali Satghare: The Fresh Face with Untapped Potential
Sayali Satghare’s journey is just beginning. Having made her international debut earlier this year in ODIs against Ireland at Rajkot, the Mumbai all-rounder has already demonstrated composure and promise. Though yet to don the T20I blue, Sayali has shown her mettle in domestic circuits and in the WPL with Gujarat Giants.
Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball is precisely the kind of balance India craves for T20 cricket. With only three ODIs under her belt but a solid domestic record, this T20I series against England is her golden chance. Strong performances could catapult her ahead in the selection race, especially with competition from the likes of Renuka Singh and Pooja Vastrakar expected to intensify ahead of the World Cup. For Sayali, England is not just an opponent but a potential springboard to cement her place on the global stage.
Amanjot Kaur: The All-Round Finisher India Needs
Since her debut in 2023, Amanjot Kaur has carved out a reputation as a reliable late-order batter and a useful seam-bowling option. Her Player of the Match-winning 41* against South Africa on debut set the tone for a career defined by coolness under pressure. With a T20I batting average of 22.25 and a steady bowling record, Amanjot’s utility as a finisher has only grown.
Her recent exploits with Mumbai Indians in the WPL, 128 runs at an average of 42.66 and five wickets in the most recent season, reflect a player nearing her prime. Amanjot can provide the power-hitting and tight overs needed at the business end of T20 matches, qualities India sorely struggled to deliver on a consistent basis during the 2024 World Cup exit. A strong series in England could make her India’s go-to finisher for the 2026 World Cup, a role vital for cracking the code in English conditions.
Deepti Sharma: The Trusted Veteran Looking to Reinvent with the Bat
There’s little left to prove about Deepti Sharma’s credentials with the ball. As India’s highest T20I wicket-taker in the last two years (51 wickets at 17.21, economy 5.92), Deepti’s off-spin is the backbone of the attack. Her Player of the Match performance against West Indies in January 2023 is just one among many match-winning spells.
Yet, as India looks ahead to the 2026 T20 World Cup, it is Deepti’s batting that needs a reboot. Her recent T20I numbers, 221 runs at a strike rate of just 99.10, suggest unrealised potential, especially given her WPL record of 507 runs at 117.63. If she can raise her batting game to match her bowling standards, Deepti could morph into the complete all-rounder India desperately needs. This England series, against a strong attack, offers the perfect stage for her to recalibrate her batting approach ahead of the global stage.
The England T20I series isn’t just another bilateral contest. For India, it’s a laboratory to test combinations, polish skills, and, most importantly, build the mental resolve needed for a deep World Cup run in 2026. The performances of Radha Yadav, Sayali Satghare, Amanjot Kaur, and Deepti Sharma could well become the defining stories of how India shapes its next chapter in women’s cricket.
The disappointment of 2024 needs a powerful response. This series is India’s first stride toward redemption. The countdown to the next T20 World Cup begins now.
