‘Team still lacks the depth’ - Ashwin concered over India’s Women's T20 World Cup prospects despite win over Pakistan

India began their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign in convincing style with a convincing 64-run victory over Pakistan at Edgbaston, Birmingham. While the comprehensive win delighted fans, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes the Women in Blue still have significant areas to address if they hope to challenge for the title.

Ashwin acknowledged India’s impressive performance against their arch-rivals but expressed doubts over the team’s ability to sustain success against stronger opposition later in the tournament. According to the veteran spinner, India’s batting unit lacks the power-hitting depth that teams like England and Australia possess.

"I am not sure India will go very far in this T20 World Cup because there is a lack of power in the lineup. While India were excellent against Pakistan and their spin attack once again proved decisive, the team still lacks the depth that sides like England and Australia possess,” he said while speaking on his YouTube channel ‘Ash ki Baat’.

"India’s combination appears slightly short on power-hitting options, which could become a concern in tougher matches against stronger opponents. Compared to the strong lineups of England and Australia, India’s overall team depth remains a significant worry," he continued. 

After being asked to bat first, the Women in Blue endured an early setback as both Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues departed inside the Powerplay. With the innings in danger of losing momentum, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana (68) and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (36) stitched together a crucial 91-run partnership to steady the innings.

Mandhana led the charge with a fluent 68 off 44 deliveries, smashing nine boundaries and two sixes. Her knock provided the perfect platform for India to accelerate in the final overs.

Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh then injected much-needed momentum into the innings. The aggressive batter hammered 34* off just 17 balls. Her late flourish helped India post a formidable total of 170/6 in their allotted 20 overs.

Pakistan made a positive start to the chase, with Muneeba Ali helping her side reach 41 runs in the Powerplay. However, India’s spin attack soon tightened the screws and completely changed the course of the contest.

Making her World Cup debut, Shree Charani impressed with figures of 3/21, showcasing remarkable composure on the big stage. The standout performer, however, was Deepti Sharma, who delivered a career-best spell of 5/10 to dismantle Pakistan’s batting lineup, as the arch-rivals fell 65 runs short of the target.

India’s spinners dominated proceedings throughout the innings, accounting for nine of Pakistan’s ten wickets as the opposition was bundled out for just 106 runs in 17 overs.