Anything Less Than a Title is a ‘Major Disappointment’ for India in 2026 Women’s Asia Cup: WV Raman
As the cricketing world turns its attention toward the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup in Dubai, the Indian women’s cricket team faces immense pressure to reclaim their continental supremacy. Having historically dominated the tournament—securing seven titles across nine editions—the expectations on Harmanpreet Kaur’s side remain sky-high.
Former India cricketer and ex-women’s team coach WV Raman believes that given India’s historic pedigree, anything short of lifting the trophy would constitute a significant failure.
“Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be tough competition, and let’s not discount Thailand, who have shown real talent and enthusiasm,” Raman said in an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com. “As far as the Indian team is concerned, I think anything less than a victory will be seen as a major disappointment.”
A Quest for Redemption
India enters the tournament looking to bounce back from the sting of their 2024 final defeat to Sri Lanka. However, the path to redemption is riddled with obstacles. The squad is currently grappling with injuries and unavailability, notably missing pace-bowling all-rounders Amanjot Kaur and Kashvee Gautam. Furthermore, a late hamstring injury to middle-order stalwart Jemimah Rodrigues has forced a tactical reshuffle just days before their opener against Thailand.
The Tactical Conundrum: Where to slot Pratika Rawal?
In the wake of Rodrigues’ injury, Pratika Rawal has earned her maiden T20I call-up. While her domestic performances in Test and ODI formats have been impressive, her role in the T20 setup remains a subject of debate.
Raman suggests that the team management must carefully consider their batting order to maximize their scoring potential. “Pratika has done well in longer formats, but we haven’t seen much of her in T20s,” Raman noted.
With Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma expected to maintain their opening partnership, Raman argues that captain Harmanpreet Kaur should elevate herself to the number three position. “I would imagine that Harmanpreet might bat at number three because she needs to spend time at the crease and have more overs at her disposal to pace the innings.”
Prioritizing Consistency for Bharti Fulmali
The tournament also serves as a critical test for Bharti Fulmali. Despite being one of the most explosive hitters in the Women’s Premier League (WPL)—boasting a strike rate of 149.76—Fulmali has struggled to find a permanent spot in the national side. After a brief, non-impactful appearance during the 2026 T20 World Cup, she is again under the microscope.
Raman emphasized the need for continuity. “If they have plans for Fulmali in the next couple of years, this is as good an opportunity as they’ll get to give her a string of consistent chances,” he said. “You aren’t doing anyone a favor by giving them one odd chance sporadically.”
Looking Toward the Future
Beyond the immediate goal of winning the trophy, Raman views this tournament as a strategic launching pad for the 2028 T20 World Cup cycle. Following India’s early group-stage exit in the 2026 T20 World Cup, the Asia Cup provides a vital window for experimentation and rebuilding.
“They can look at this as a platform to work out different combinations and look at various options,” Raman concluded. “While a win here doesn’t erase the disappointment of the World Cup, it would certainly provide some much-needed solace and momentum for the road ahead.”
For fans eager to follow the action, the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 is available to watch live on Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD, and via the Sony LIV app.
