Former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop believes the Women's Premier League (WPL) must play a bigger role in producing specialist talent if India are to become a dominant force in T20 cricket. Speaking after India's disappointing group-stage exit from the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, Bishop stressed the need to develop more fast bowlers, wrist spinners and power-hitters to compete consistently with the world's best teams.
The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side failed to reach the knockout stage after suffering defeats to South Africa and Australia, finishing their campaign with two losses in four matches. Reflecting on India's shortcomings, the West Indian player said the WPL should continue giving overseas stars opportunities while ensuring Indian players occupy key roles that prepare them for international cricket.
"In the WPL, you still have to position teams in a way where you want the overseas players coming in, but also ensure that as T20 internationals demand a number of your key positions, still have to be influenced by Indian selections, because when you go on to the world stage, you don't have that foreign assistance it's your national team," Bishop said.
The former pacer also questioned India's batting strategy against Australia, suggesting wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh should have been promoted in the order when Jemimah Rodrigues struggled to accelerate. "I wonder if Richa Ghosh could have come in a little bit earlier," he remarked. The cricketer turned commentator further noted that injuries to players such as Shreyanka Patil affected the team's balance but insisted India still require greater pace, more wrist-spin options and additional batting power to challenge six-time champions Australia in future ICC events.
India name 15-member squad to defend Asian Games women's cricket gold in Japan
The Women's Selection Committee has announced a 15-member Indian squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with Harmanpreet Kaur continuing as captain and Smriti Mandhana serving as vice-captain. India will enter the continental event as the defending champions after winning the gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou and will be aiming to retain their title in September. The squad remains largely unchanged despite India's recent group-stage exit from the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, reflecting the selectors' faith in the experienced core.
Senior players such as Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh and Renuka Singh Thakur have all retained their places. A major boost for the side is the return of all-rounder Shreyanka Patil after recovering from injury, while 17-year-old wicketkeeper-batter G. Kamalini has earned a place in the squad. Yastika Bhatia is the notable omission from the team announced by the BCCI.
The tournament will be played in the T20 format, with India among the favourites to defend their crown. Following the disappointment of an early World Cup exit, the Asian Games present Harmanpreet Kaur's side with an opportunity to bounce back and reaffirm their dominance in continental cricket.
India Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (WK), Uma Chetry (WK), Amanjot Kaur, Shreyanka Patil, Sneh Rana, Renuka Singh Thakur, Sayali Satghare, Kranti Goud and G. Kamalini.
