India women have a significant leap forward with a dominant performance in their recent  T20I series against England. Clinching the series 3-1 with one match to spare, the visitors  did not only stun hosts but also laid down a marker for their rise in global cricket. They  played with a never-seen-before authority which impressed me the most. I understand the  conditions have favoured them to some extent because the pitches have been quite dry  and used again, but since there hasn’t been much pace on some of the surfaces, their  spinners have become more effective. 

For many years, India’s strength in women’s cricket has been their batting—technically  sound, stylish, and packed with big names like Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and  Jemimah Rodrigues. But what stood out in this series was their improvement in the field  and the versatility in their bowling. The energy, athleticism, and precision displayed in the  outfield left viewers and commentators in awe. India’s fielding was not just tidy—it was  dynamic. Ground fielding was razor-sharp, and some of the catches taken were nothing  short of world-class. The fielding pressure they created rattled the English batters  repeatedly. 

I hear many saying that this shift in sharpness and professionalism is since the emergence  of Women’s Premier League (WPL). One thing is sure that there is a new level of confidence  in their body language, suggesting a team that now believes it belongs at the very top. 

Watching Smriti Mandhana in this series was a visual treat. Her poise at the crease, the  fluidity of her strokes, and the sheer elegance of her shot selection made her one of the  standout performers. Whether it was her effortless lofts over cover or well-timed pulls, she  was in sublime touch. 

Jemimah Rodrigues chipped in with crucial runs and kept the momentum going in the  middle order. While Harmanpreet Kaur hasn’t found her groove yet—missing a game and  appearing slightly off-rhythm—India’s deep batting line-up hasn’t needed to rely heavily on  her. 

Shafali Verma, often known for her aggressive starts, faced a litmus test against England’s  Lauren Filer, who exploited her discomfort against the short ball. However, Verma’s  adaptability was on display in the game at Old Trafford, where she adjusted her approach 

and helped launch India’s innings with a decisive start. The pitch wasn’t as quick as it had  been at the Oval in the previous game, which made things a bit easier for Verma. But she  made the most of it—her innings gave India the perfect start and really set the tone. It  turned out to be crucial. 

India’s spin department was another revelation. The pitches, which offered little pace but  generous turn, suited them perfectly. Shree Charani, on debut, made an instant impact  with a four-wicket haul and remained consistently accurate throughout. Across the series,  India’s spinners out-thought and out-bowled their English counterparts. 

This spin dominance was crucial, especially considering that India has often been seen as  a batting-heavy side with less firepower in the bowling unit. This series proved otherwise.  Not only did their spinners dictate terms, but they also helped control the tempo of games  and choke England’s scoring opportunities. 

England, meanwhile, have had a difficult series. Barring their comeback win at The Oval,  the hosts have been outclassed in all departments. Even in that win, India may well feel  they let the game slip rather than England seizing it convincingly. 

Lauren Filer has been one of the few bright spots. Her pace and aggression, especially her  use of the short ball, brought back memories of classic English fast bowling. She’s looked  more comfortable in her role as an enforcer and has gained valuable experience. 

England never quite found the rhythm. They dominated against the West Indies earlier, but  this series was always going to be a tougher challenge. Danni Wyatt hasn’t been in top  form, and overall, the team has been inconsistent — showing flashes of brilliance but  lacking sustained performance. 

I’m also not convinced they’ve figured out the right batting order. Amy Jones doesn’t seem  to be contributing enough at positions five or six; perhaps she could be more effective  higher up the order. Alice Capsey appears to be struggling with both confidence and form.  Even Tammy Beaumont had her moments, but they’ve been sporadic — especially with  Nat Sciver-Brunt missing from the lineup 

The decision to leave Charlie Dean out of two matches has also raised eyebrows. Her off spin and control could have provided variety and stability to the bowling attack. Without  her, England appeared one-dimensional and lacked a genuine partnership-breaking  option.

With the series wrapped up 3-1, and one game remaining, India will be eager to maintain  their momentum heading into the upcoming ODI series. More than just a confidence boost,  this series win serves as a statement of intent: India is no longer just a contender—they are  a force. 

England, on the other hand, must regroup quickly. Coach Charlotte Edwards has promised  stronger performances in the ODI leg, and they will need to deliver, both to restore belief  and to prepare for bigger challenges ahead.