New Delhi, April 15 (NationPress) Amid the buzz surrounding IPL 2026, Harmanpreet Kaur and her squad have commenced their training in Durban for a crucial five-match T20I series against South Africa, starting on April 17. This series is a key preparatory phase for India as they gear up for the Women’s T20 World Cup, which is set to unfold in England from June 12 to July 5. Although India will face England in a bilateral series prior to the World Cup, the significance of this series is amplified since South Africa is in the same group for the tournament.

Entering this series, India carries momentum in the T20 format. Even though they faced losses in both the one-off Test and ODI series during their multi-format tour of Australia, the Indian team managed to clinch the T20I series 2-1. In an exclusive conversation with IANS, former India captain Anjum Chopra shared insights on the upcoming series, India’s fast-bowling lineup, the absence of a wrist spinner, and more. Here are some excerpts:

Q. How essential is this series for both India and South Africa as they approach the T20 World Cup?
Clearly, it’s incredibly beneficial—having as many international matches as possible is crucial for quality performance and getting time on the field. Given the gaps between international series, players have the opportunity to return home, refresh, and engage in off-field activities before returning to compete.

That downtime is vital. Moreover, consecutive international matches are of utmost importance for the Indian team before the World Cup. It’s equally advantageous for South Africa, and they certainly won't be unhappy about it.

Looking back, since October 2024, South Africa players like Nadine de Klerk and captain Laura Wolvaardt have been constantly on the move, hardly spending 30 consecutive days at home without playing cricket.

Q. What’s your opinion on the Indian fast-bowling lineup chosen for this series?
I have no concerns with the four selected bowlers; they are India’s finest fast-bowling resources. Although Sayali Satghare is a promising talent, she doesn’t fit into the T20I setup, particularly since Kashvee Gautam has performed exceptionally well.

If Kashvee hadn’t been injured before the 2025 ODI World Cup, she would have showcased her abilities earlier. While I’m pleased with the current selection, it's unfortunate that Amanjot Kaur is missing from the team. Whether due to an injury or recovery, the reasons remain unclear.

Q. Given Deepti Sharma's form decline and Sneh Rana's absence, does Shreyanka Patil make a stronger case for a longer run in T20Is?
It was only a matter of time before Shreyanka Patil rejoined the India team. The clarity is that she will currently be part of the T20I squad.

After her injury, she missed the 2025 WPL, but upon returning, she proved her fitness by excelling in the Caribbean Premier League and then performing well for RCB during this year’s WPL victory.

Her inclusion in the T20I setup is justified—she is a capable bowler, batsman, and fielder. However, if you’re in Shreyanka Patil's position, the priority should be securing a spot in the first fifteen-member squad and eventually working your way into the ODI setup, if that's her goal.

Q. Is there a necessity for a wrist-spinner for variety in T20Is? Are you surprised that no wrist-spinner has been included for this tour?
Interestingly, we had two wrist spinners—Priya Mishra and Prema Rawat—listed as standbys for the 50-over World Cup in October 2025. When we sought to replace Pratika Rawal due to her injury against Bangladesh, we had to call up Shafali Verma from domestic cricket, who fortunately performed well and helped us win the World Cup.

However, your point is valid. If those spinners aren’t performing, I understand the omission. Priya Mishra had a decent debut against New Zealand in 2024 and performed well in the WPL. The reasons for her exclusion remain unclear—those responsible for squad selection are closely monitoring domestic performances.

It’s indeed a pertinent discussion—why can’t we have a wrist-spinner traveling with the team who might have a chance to play, rather than someone sidelined, waiting for an opportunity?

In terms of variety, if Shreyanka, Deepti, and Charani are the three spinners, it’s clear that no additional spinner is needed, which eliminates Vaishnavi Sharma from consideration. However, it also means Anushka Sharma might not be included either.

Q. Why has Uma Chetry retained her spot over G Kamalini, who recently returned from a shoulder injury?
I don’t have complete insight into Kamalini’s fitness, but the team was announced following the U23 one-day tournament. It's excellent for Uma Chetry to be included in the tour. This presents a significant opportunity for wicketkeeper-batters across the country to assert their claim.

If Uma Chetry is merely present as a second wicketkeeper, we must question what other wicketkeepers are doing, especially those who can also bat. Why aren't they making their case?

Before Richa Ghosh, I doubt anyone else will get an opportunity, which is reasonable. Nonetheless, a solid second wicketkeeper-batter is crucial for the Indian team if needed.

Q. Are Pooja Vastrakar and Yastika Bhatia potential additions to the T20I team in the future?
Pooja Vastrakar must determine whether she is ready and fit to play as an all-rounder or as a specialist batter or bowler. During the WPL this year with RCB, she was selected solely to bat, not bowl.

In the few matches she played, she was only there as a batter. If she isn’t fully fit as an all-rounder, I don’t believe they will consider her, as she must demonstrate her fitness and value to be included.

As for Yastika, she is indeed a highly capable cricketer who could join the Indian team if she is fully fit and performing well as a wicketkeeper-batter. Yes, she can potentially make it into both the fifteen and the eleven, contingent on her form. However, her fitness remains a significant concern.