With the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup approaching, the Indian women’s cricket team is facing an unexpected worry: the poor form of vice-captain and star opener Smriti Mandhana during the England tour and warm-up matches.
India is set to open its campaign against Pakistan, but Mandhana’s recent performances have sparked concern within the camp.
Struggles in England Tour
Mandhana’s outing in England has been inconsistent, with multiple low scores across formats and matches.
Her recent run includes:
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0 in the first T20I against England
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32 in the second T20I
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8 in the third T20I
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39 in a warm-up match against West Indies
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1 run in the second warm-up match against England
Although she showed a brief glimpse of form with a 21 off 10 balls earlier in a tour match, she has struggled to convert starts into impactful innings.
A Worrying Pattern Before a Big Tournament
Mandhana is known as one of the most important pillars of India’s top order, typically responsible for giving the team strong starts during the powerplay. However, her inability to register a big score on this tour has raised concerns about timing and consistency.
Despite spending time at the crease in several matches, she has not managed a half-century during the England tour phase or warm-ups.
Why Her Form Matters for India
As India’s opening batter, Mandhana plays a crucial role in setting the tone of the innings. A stable and aggressive start is often key to India’s success in major tournaments.
Her current lean patch is concerning because:
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She anchors the top order
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She provides momentum in powerplay overs
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She is one of India’s most experienced batters
If the slump continues into the opening match against Pakistan, it could put additional pressure on India’s batting lineup.
What India Will Hope For Next
While form slumps are part of the game, India will be hoping that Mandhana finds her rhythm quickly once the World Cup begins. Her ability to bounce back has been proven in the past, and the team management will expect her to deliver when it matters most.
