table of contents
Harmanpreet Kaur-led India Women’s campaign at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 is in limbo after a mixed start to the tournament. The Blue Women have performed brilliantly but have failed to deliver consistently, leaving them with little margin for error in the remaining group-stage matches.
While India’s bowling unit has impressed, the batting has failed to perform collectively. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur in particular has come under scrutiny after the middle order struggled to score runs quickly, with former India fast bowler Shikha Pandey openly expressing concern over the captain’s strike rate ahead of India’s win against Bangladesh.
Harmanpreet Kaur struggling in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026
Harmanpreet Kaur has scored 72 runs at a strike rate of 109.09 in three matches in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. The Indian captain has batted at No. 4, No. 5 and No. 6 during the tournament, but has been unable to play the explosive innings that have defined her career.
India’s batting problems were exposed during the loss to South Africa, where Harmanpreet, Yastika Bhatia and Jemimah Rodrigues managed just 51 runs off 49 balls. India’s highest partnership in the innings was only 33 runs, highlighting the lack of pace in the middle overs.
These figures are in stark contrast to Harmanpreet’s overall T20I career. The experienced all-rounder has represented India in 200 WT20Is, scoring 4,147 runs at an average of 30.05, including one century and 17 half-centuries. Widely considered one of India’s greatest white-ball cricketers, Harmanpreet has built her reputation on fearless strokeplay against both pace and spin. However, that attacking intent has been missing in this World Cup, putting pressure on the rest of the batting order.
Shikha Pandey criticizes Harmanpreet Kaur for poor strike rate
Former India fast bowler Shikha Pandey believes that Harmanpreet should stop worrying about rebuilding the innings and instead rely on her natural attacking instincts.
“Harmanpreet Kaur’s strike rate is a cause of concern for India’s middle order,” Pandey said on JioStar’s game plan as quoted by Cricinfo.
“If a wicket falls early, we have seen Yastika Bhatia coming in at number four with Jemimah Rodrigues. We can also see Harman coming in to bat at number four and Jemimah coming in at number five.”
“But wherever she bats, Harman should stop thinking about fallen wickets and not try to rebuild because we have seen that when Harmanpreet Kaur is on song, she is a completely different player.”
“Once she gets settled, we will see those straight drives and those shots at deep midwicket. She is excellent against the spinners, so if she gets settled, it will be great for India.”
Pandey suggested that batting higher up the order could help Harmanpreet Kaur avoid constant walks during crunch situations and allow her to dictate terms from the start.
Shikha Pandey praises Mr Charani as India bowler shines
Despite India’s batting struggles, Pandey praised left-arm spinner Sri Charani, who has emerged as one of the stars of the tournament.
“The way Mr Charani has bowled in tandem with Deepti Sharma is fantastic to watch,” Pandey said.
“She has taken ten wickets in the three matches she has played so far. She is varying her pace very well.”
“The wicket she got of Anne Dirksen was probably the best ball you would want to bowl as a left-arm spinner, pitching on off and middle and taking out the off stump. She has been phenomenal with her length, keeping the stumps in play at all times.”
Who is the best performing player for India so far in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026?
Despite India’s inconsistent campaign, some players have stood out with their performances. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has been India’s leading run-scorer with 159 runs in three innings at an average of 53.00 and a blistering strike rate of 154.36, which included two half-centuries. Shafali Verma has also scored 92 runs at an impressive strike rate of 158.62, while Richa Ghosh has maintained a strike rate of 176.92 despite limited opportunities.
With the ball, Sri Charani has been India’s biggest match-winner with 10 wickets in three matches. Deepti Sharma has provided excellent support by taking six wickets, giving India one of the strongest spin combinations in the tournament.
India is now facing a virtual knockout situation. To keep their hopes of a Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final alive, they are likely to need a win in their remaining group-stage matches as well as a healthy increase in their net run rate.
