New Delhi: Former India captain Anjum Chopra believes the Indian women’s cricket team will enter the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup as one of the favourites, citing the squad’s extensive experience of playing in English conditions and growing maturity on the international stage.

India will begin their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan in Birmingham on June 14, carrying hopes of making a strong impact in the tournament. Chopra said the current Indian squad is far better equipped to handle conditions in England than previous teams, with several players having toured the country multiple times in recent years.

English conditions no longer unfamiliar

Speaking about India’s prospects, Chopra said the players are well acquainted with the challenges posed by English pitches and weather conditions.

According to her, the core group of players has accumulated considerable experience through international tours, bilateral series and franchise cricket, making England a familiar destination rather than an unfamiliar challenge.

“England conditions are not alien. Few of them or most of them have already played there, at least the core of this Indian team,” Chopra said.

The former captain noted that such familiarity could prove crucial in a tournament where adapting quickly to local conditions often determines success.

Challenging group awaits India

While backing India as one of the leading contenders for the title, Chopra cautioned that the team faces a difficult path to the knockout stages.

India have been placed in Group 1 alongside strong opponents including Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Netherlands.

With only two teams from each group progressing to the semi-finals, every match is expected to carry significant importance.

Chopra pointed out that Pakistan have shown signs of improvement in recent years, while the Netherlands cannot be overlooked after earning qualification for the tournament.

She also highlighted the challenge posed by traditional powerhouses Australia and South Africa, both of whom are expected to be among the strongest contenders.

“Even Pakistan has been playing some very good cricket. And India does not know how Netherlands would come out. They’ve also made it to the World Cup. And why should we just forget the fact that there is an Australian team and a South African team in the same pool,” Chopra said.

Preparation tour offers valuable experience

India head into the World Cup after gaining valuable match practice during their ongoing tour of England.

The series has allowed players to acclimatise to local conditions while providing the coaching staff with an opportunity to fine-tune combinations ahead of the global event.

Several members of the squad already possess substantial experience of playing in England, which could prove beneficial during high-pressure matches.

The exposure gained through recent tours and overseas competitions is expected to help the team adapt more effectively during the World Cup.

Yastika Bhatia’s return boosts India

One of the major positives for India ahead of the tournament has been the successful return of wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia after a lengthy injury layoff.

The left-handed batter made an immediate impression in her comeback match, scoring a fluent 54 off 40 deliveries in the opening T20I against England.

Her performance has strengthened India’s batting options and created healthy competition for places in the playing XI.

The return of an experienced top-order batter gives the team management additional flexibility while planning combinations for the World Cup.

Chopra calls for batting flexibility

Chopra believes India may need to adopt a more adaptable approach to their batting order during the tournament.

With established players such as captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues occupying important middle-order positions, the former skipper feels flexibility could become a valuable asset depending on match situations.

“I think Indian team will probably need to be a little more open about flexibility in the batting order. I am not saying that they will not be because right now, it’s just a series against England. But in less than a couple of weeks they will play their first World Cup game, I feel there needs to be a little more adaptability to the flexibility,” she said.

The competition for batting spots is likely to intensify following Yastika’s strong return, giving selectors and team management several options ahead of the tournament.

Expectations high for India

India enter the competition with growing confidence and a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent.

The team has consistently performed well in ICC tournaments over recent years and will be aiming to convert its potential into a title-winning campaign.

However, the presence of strong rivals in their group means there is little room for complacency.

With a challenging schedule ahead, India’s ability to handle pressure and adapt quickly to different match situations will be key to their chances of reaching the knockout stages.

Conclusion

Anjum Chopra believes India are among the favourites for the Women’s T20 World Cup due to the squad’s familiarity with English conditions and increasing international experience. However, she has warned that a tough group featuring Australia, South Africa and Pakistan will test the team’s credentials, making adaptability and consistency crucial for a successful campaign.