The race to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 has entered its final stage, but injuries are already changing the balance of power before a single ball has been bowled. With the tournament set to begin in England on June 12, several top teams are struggling with major fitness issues.
The packed cricket calendar, including franchise leagues and international matches, has pushed players to their limits. As a result, medical teams are now playing a huge role in deciding which side enters the tournament in the best shape.
So, who are the favourites for the T20 World Cup? At the moment, India look like the strongest team despite some important injury concerns.
India remain the strongest title favourites
India women’s national cricket team head into the tournament with one of the most settled batting lineups in the world. Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur form a dangerous top order capable of dominating any bowling attack.
However, India’s preparations were hit by back to back injury setbacks in the all rounder department.
Young seam bowling all rounder Amanjot Kaur has been ruled out for four to five months with a serious back injury. Her replacement Kashvee Gautam also suffered a knee injury that now requires surgery.
Many fans have also searched online asking, “Is Yastika Bhatia injured?” While Yastika Bhatia has dealt with injury concerns in recent months, the latest focus for India has mainly been on the loss of Amanjot and Kashvee ahead of the World Cup.
Despite these problems, India still look balanced. Radha Yadav has returned to strengthen the spin attack, while Nandni Sharma and Bharti Fulmali earned opportunities after impressive Women’s Premier League performances.
India’s spin unit led by Deepti Sharma gives them a huge advantage in English conditions. Their strong batting depth and experience make them one of the clear favourites to win the trophy.
England face major leadership concerns
England women’s national cricket team have suffered one of the biggest injury blows before the tournament.
Captain Nat Sciver Brunt has been ruled out of the final warm up series because of a serious left calf tear. Although she remains in England’s World Cup squad, missing important matches before a home tournament is a massive concern.
England are also without explosive opener Danni Wyatt Hodge for immediate assignments because she is expecting her first child. Vice captain Charlie Dean has now been forced to lead a disrupted squad during a very important phase.
Young players like Maia Bouchier and Charis Pavely could now face huge pressure on the biggest stage.
When discussing the “injury blows assessing the Women T20 World Cup favorites list,” England are clearly one of the teams most affected.
Australia receive positive fitness news
Australia women’s national cricket team are once again among the strongest contenders despite entering a new era under fresh leadership.
The biggest positive for Australia is the recovery of captain Sophie Molineux. The left arm spinner had been struggling with a back injury that limited her bowling duties, but she has now been fully cleared to bowl again.
Australia have still made some tactical changes. Young fast bowler Darcie Brown has been left out, with the selectors trusting experienced names like Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, and Kim Garth to lead the pace attack.
Australia’s balance and experience still make them one of the top teams in the competition.
South Africa emerge as dangerous dark horses
South Africa women’s national cricket team may quietly become the biggest threat to the traditional giants.
Unlike several rivals, South Africa enter the tournament with a fully fit squad. Dane van Niekerk has recovered from a calf injury, Marizanne Kapp is back to full fitness, and legendary pacer Shabnim Ismail has returned from retirement.
Having a healthy squad at the right time could give South Africa a major edge in pressure matches.
Final verdict on the World Cup favourites
India, Australia, and South Africa are all placed in Group 1, making it the toughest group of the tournament. With only the top two teams reaching the semifinals, every match will matter.
England’s injury and leadership concerns have weakened their position, while Australia and South Africa continue to improve physically.
Still, India appear to have the strongest mix of batting depth, spin quality, and overall stability. Even with injuries in the squad, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side currently look best placed to finally win the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
