The Indian women’s cricket team’s historic maiden T20I series victory on English soil marks a significant chapter in their journey, one that has been powered largely by a remarkable transformation in their fielding standards. Once considered a vulnerability, India’s newfound sharpness and athleticism in the field have emerged as a decisive factor, contributing as much to their success as their batting and bowling heroics.
For years, fielding was a glaring weak spot for the Women in Blue, often costing them dearly in high-stakes tournaments. The image of missed catches, misfields, and sluggish ground coverage lingered, overshadowing their talented batting and bowling line-ups. However, the narrative has dramatically flipped this summer in England. Harmanpreet Kaur and her teammates have delivered an electric brand of fielding, marked by spectacular catches, razor-sharp run-outs, and crucial run-saving efforts, that has left fans and experts alike impressed.
This transformation was evident across the first four T20Is, where India dominated England not just with bat and ball but with their energy and agility on the field. Their unassailable 3-1 series lead heading into the final match on July 12, 2025, is a testament to this newfound edge. Despite concurrent media attention focusing on the men’s Test series between the two nations, the women’s team’s accomplishment quietly but emphatically demands recognition.
The turnaround is no coincidence. Targeted fielding camps held ahead of the England tour laid the foundation for this success. Shubhangi Kulkarni, former India captain and BCCI Apex Council member, affirmed this in her interview with the Times of India: “The improvement has been evident and played a key role in the team’s recent success.”
Much credit also goes to the Women’s Premier League (WPL), which has provided the players with exposure to high-intensity, competitive cricket, helping hone their fitness and fielding skills. The visible confidence and athleticism on the England tour reflect months of disciplined preparation.
Fielding coach Munish Bali highlighted the collective commitment behind this success: “It was a shared dream that came from the players themselves. They wanted to do well, feel like Australia and England in terms of fielding standards. The commitment they showed, in matches and practice, translated into what we are seeing on the field.”
The Indian fielders’ ability to pull off breathtaking catches and critical run-outs has repeatedly swung momentum in their favour. This is a far cry from earlier days, when the same players might have fumbled simple chances. The agility and intensity displayed are now setting a benchmark in women’s cricket, giving India a sharper edge against quality opposition.
Such fielding prowess will be invaluable as India gears up to host the ICC Women’s 50-over World Cup later this year (September-November 2025), followed by the T20 World Cup in England in June 2026, tournaments where every run saved or wicket taken through fielding can be decisive.
While the fielding renaissance deserves headline credit, it has come alongside excellent individual batting and bowling performances. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana’s explosive maiden T20I century (112 off 62 balls) in the opening game set the tone for India’s dominant series. Strong contributions from Jemimah Rodrigues, Amanjot Kaur, and Harleen Deol have ensured that India consistently posted competitive totals.
On the bowling front, the spin trio has shone brilliantly. Deepti Sharma led with seven wickets at an impressive average of 16.85, supported effectively by Radha Yadav’s five wickets (at 16.60). The revelation has been 20-year-old Shree Charani, who burst onto the international scene with eye-catching performances, including a four-for-12 on debut. Her tally of 10 wickets at 11.30 and an economy of 7.13 in the series is the highest among bowlers, heralding a promising future for India’s spin arsenal.
Despite the progress, former player and analyst Shubhangi Kulkarni stresses that there is room for refinement, particularly in running between the wickets. “Turning ones into twos and keeping the scoreboard ticking with smart singles” remains an area requiring attention. Sharpening this aspect will complement their improved fielding and give India an even more potent overall package.
India’s newfound fielding excellence, coupled with the emergence of young talent and experienced campaigners stepping up, positions the team as formidable contenders in upcoming global tournaments. Their remarkable turnaround offers an inspiring narrative of resilience, hard work, and strategic focus, a story every follower of women’s cricket should celebrate enthusiastically.
As the team prepares for the final match in Birmingham and beyond, the message is clear: India’s Women in Blue are no longer just participants on the world stage; they are real contenders, armed with skill, confidence, and an electrifying fielding unit ready to make history.
(Quotes sourced from TOI)
