India entered the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup with more than just another trophy in mind. Following a disappointing group-stage exit at the recent T20 World Cup, the tournament offers the ideal opportunity to begin rebuilding ahead of the 2028 T20 World Cup. It also marks the start of a crucial cycle that includes the 2027 T20 Champions Trophy and the 2028 Olympic Games.
India Women began their Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 campaign with a 94-run victory over Thailand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Shafali Verma’s explosive batting and an excellent bowling performance helped India start the tournament on a strong note.
India’s next challenges include Hong Kong on September 3 and Pakistan on September 5. With the knockout stages approaching, there are several major areas that India need to improve during the India Women Asia Cup 2026 campaign.
Finding a Reliable No. 3
One of India’s biggest concerns remains the No. 3 position.
Jemimah Rodrigues has long been viewed as the preferred option, but the team management repeatedly shuffled the batting order during the last two T20 World Cups. With Rodrigues sidelined by a hamstring injury, Pratika Rawal has earned her maiden T20I call-up, giving India an opportunity to test another option while preparing long-term solutions.
Searching for Another Finisher
Richa Ghosh continues to be India’s primary finisher, but the lack of support around her has become increasingly evident.
In the last five years, Ghosh has struck 32 sixes in T20Is from the middle order, while Deepti Sharma is the next-best Indian with just five. Injuries to all-rounders such as Pooja Vastrakar, Amanjot Kaur and Kashvee Gautam have further reduced India’s finishing depth.
The Asia Cup could provide extended opportunities for Bharti Fulmali and teenager G Kamalini to establish themselves as long-term options.
Strengthening the Pace Attack
India’s seam bowling struggled throughout the recent T20 World Cup.
Renuka Singh, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud and Nandani Sharma were unable to consistently take wickets, particularly during the powerplay and at the death. The pace unit finished with only five wickets in the tournament, while its overall bowling average and economy rate ranked among the weakest.
The Asia Cup offers a chance for India to identify their strongest pace combination before a busy run of tournaments across Asia.
Middle Order Needs More Stability
India’s biggest concern against Thailand was the collapse in the middle overs. After reaching 108 for one, India lost eight wickets for just 51 runs and finished on 159 for nine.
Thailand bowlers used off-spin and slow left arm bowling effectively, and India’s middle order struggled to rotate the strike. Harmanpreet Kaur scored only five from nine balls, while Richa Ghosh was dismissed without scoring.
India cannot afford similar collapses against better teams. The middle order needs to find ways to keep the scoreboard moving even when the top order is dismissed.
Fielding Must Remain Sharp
Fielding can decide close matches, particularly in knockout games. India need to maintain high standards across all 20 overs, especially on Dubai’s large outfield.
Dropped chances, missed stops and poor running between the wickets can quickly change the momentum of a T20 match. Avoiding unnecessary extras and converting half chances will therefore be crucial.
India Women’s cricket issues are manageable, but the team must address them before facing stronger opposition such as Pakistan and Sri Lanka. In a broader perspective, the Women’s Asia Cup provides up to five matches for India to settle combinations, define player roles and establish a more stable playing XI before the tougher tournaments that lie ahead.
