Former captain Anjum Chopra believes that no team can be considered a favorite in the upcoming 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. India, the reigning 50-over World Cup champions, holds a significant advantage heading into the tournament.
India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, will kick off their Group 1 campaign against Pakistan at Edgbaston, aiming to secure their first Women’s T20 World Cup title. Despite a recent 2-1 defeat to England and mixed warm-up results, the team enters the competition with the confidence of their past achievements.
Anjum highlighted India’s journey to the World Cup, emphasizing the team’s winning efforts and the confidence gained from their success in the 50-over format. While acknowledging India’s previous semifinal and final appearances, she refrained from labeling them as favorites but noted that no team holds that status in this tournament.
Anjum pointed out the unpredictability of the tournament, citing New Zealand’s success in the previous edition despite a string of defeats leading up to the event. She emphasized that every team, including Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand, has areas of concern, making it challenging to predict a clear favorite.
The expansion of the tournament to 12 teams introduces a new level of uncertainty, with Anjum cautioning against underestimating any opponent once the group stage commences. She stressed the importance of each match and the need for teams like India to maintain focus and avoid complacency.
Anjum noted the evolution of the women’s game, where scoring 200 runs has become a standard expectation, reflecting the increased competitiveness and growth in the sport. She highlighted the shift towards higher scores and the overall progress in women’s cricket over the years.
The impact of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) on Indian team selection was evident with the inclusion of players like Bharti Fulmali and Nandni Sharma. Anjum emphasized the importance of patience in nurturing players transitioning from domestic to international cricket, despite their promising performances in the WPL.
