Should Harmanpreet Kaur drop herself from India’s XI amid poor form in Women's T20 World Cup 2026?

Harmanpreet Kaur has been struggling to maintain high strike rate in Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.

After their defeat to South Africa in Manchester, India’s Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign has entered a critical period. Harmanpreet Kaur’s team is now forced to fight for a place in the semi-finals following their six-wicket defeat, and the remaining group stage games became more important.

The India skipper is still one of the most seasoned players in the team and is the first batsman, male or female, to reach the milestone of 200 T20 internationals.

Harmanpreet has participated in various ICC tournaments for the Indian women’s team, including the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, where she emerged as the top run-scorer for her team, and led the team to their maiden ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title in 2025 and has also contributed to the team’s success in multiple other ICC tournaments.

However, the 37-year-old has come under scrutiny during the ongoing tournament because of a string of slow innings. Against Pakistan, Harmanpreet scored 36 off 35 balls.

She followed it up with 12 off 9 deliveries against the Netherlands and managed 24 from 22 balls against South Africa. Across those three innings, she has a poor strike rate, attracting criticism over her inability to accelerate in the middle overs.

Pressure mounting on India’s captain amid calls for a more aggressive middle order

India’s middle order is under the spotlight due to the a few power-hitters on the bench. This adds to Kaur’s challenge with the bat.

However, no one has suggested that Harmanpreet is even mulling a move out of the playing XI. She is a veteran of Indian cricket, the captain and continues to receive the support of the team management.

But in T20 cricket, intent and strike rate are key factors, especially in big competitions. The upcoming performances will take precedence over reputation as India are on a quest to qualify for the knockout stage.

The India skipper needs to be perfected in the coming one or two games, or the management may have to make some tough choices for the benefit of the team if they are unable to get the results they want from the middle order. With the knockout stage on the horizon, India might have to make a more daring choice in their batting lineup if they feel it would be more advantageous for them to take that move.

So far, Harmanpreet has been at the core of India’s plans. However, with margins getting tighter, every innings from the captain will be under great microscope as the tournament starts the crucial phase.

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