As India Women gear up for the upcoming T20 World Cup, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has highlighted the importance of her opening partnership with Shafali Verma. Despite a disappointing 2-1 T20I series defeat against England, Smriti Mandhana believes the opening duo can play a decisive role in India’s World Cup campaign.
The Indian team showed several positive signs during the England tour, but the performances of the opening batters remained under scrutiny. With the World Cup around the corner, Mandhana has accepted the responsibility and is determined to deliver stronger starts for the team.
Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma Accept Responsibility
India’s opening pair struggled to make a major impact during the three-match T20I series against England. The duo managed opening stands of 19, 27 and 0, failing to provide the solid platform the team expected.
Smriti Mandhana scored 40 runs in three innings at an average of 13.33, with a highest score of 32. Shafali Verma scored 35 runs at an average of 11.66, although she maintained an impressive strike rate of 152.17.
Speaking after the series, Smriti Mandhana admitted that both openers need to contribute more consistently.
    ” For me and Shifu, we are definitely timing the ball well, but unfortunately we are not able to contribute in big ways for the team. We both have a huge role to play going forward. “
Her statement reflects the accountability within the Indian camp as they prepare for the biggest tournament of the year.
Signs of Positivity Despite Series Defeat
Although India lost the series, Smriti Mandhana found several encouraging performances within the squad. One of the biggest positives was the return of Yastika Bhatia, who finished as the leading run-scorer across both teams with 119 runs, including a half-century.
Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur also impressed in the final T20I, scoring an unbeaten 56 off 40 balls under pressure and guiding India to a competitive total of 180/5.
Praising her captain, Mandhana said:
   ” Harman, when she is at her best, it is a sight to watch. She played an important innings under pressure and helped us reach 180-plus.”
The performances of experienced players have given India confidence heading into the World Cup.
Lessons Learned from England Series
The deciding T20I showcased both India’s strengths and weaknesses. While defending 180, India reduced England to 38/3, putting themselves in a commanding position.
However, a match-winning 137-run partnership between Alice Capsey and Heather Knight turned the game in England’s favour. Mandhana acknowledged that the bowlers will revisit their plans and identify areas for improvement before the World Cup.
“We will definitely look at this game and see where we can do better. We know these conditions now, and those learnings will help our players.”
The series has provided valuable experience that India can use in similar English conditions during the tournament.
Focus Shifts to the T20 World Cup
India begin their T20 World Cup campaign with a high-profile clash against Pakistan. The team has been placed in a challenging group alongside Australia, South Africa, Bangladesh and the Netherlands.
Smriti Mandhana believes that while India-Pakistan contests naturally attract attention, the focus should remain on the entire tournament.
    “India-Pakistan doesn’t need hype. It’s already a big game. We need to hype the T20 World Cup itself and put on a show for the fans.”
What lies ahead for India
India may not have achieved the desired result against England, but the team enters the T20 World Cup with optimism. Smriti Mandhana’s honest assessment of her own performances and her partnership with Shafali Verma highlights the determination within the squad. If the opening pair can convert starts into match-winning contributions, India will become a serious contender for the T20 World Cup title.
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