Nasser Hussain Suggests India Use Shafali Verma as Bowling Option to Solve T20 World Cup Balance Problem
Former England captain Nasser Hussain has recommended that India prioritize batting depth over a specialist bowler at the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup, suggesting Shafali Verma fill the bowling gap as a 'safety valve.' India's squad balance has been disrupted by injuries to seam-bowling all-rounders Amanjot Kaur and Kashvee Gautam ahead of their opening match against Pakistan. The advice highlights a broader strategic dilemma for Harmanpreet Kaur's side as they pursue a first Women's T20 World Cup title.
India begin their 2026 Women's T20 World Cup campaign in England against Pakistan on Sunday, with the tournament running until the final at Lord's on July 5. The squad has been weakened by injuries to seam-bowling all-rounders Amanjot Kaur and Kashvee Gautam, leaving a gap in balance between batting depth and bowling options. Speaking at a JioStar Media Day, ICC expert and former England captain Nasser Hussain argued India should lean into batting depth, playing two seamers alongside their spinners and using Shafali Verma as an occasional bowling option — a role she fulfilled in the ODI World Cup final last year. Hussain noted that spin dominates women's T20 cricket, pointing out that England field three spinners in their top six. He cautioned, however, that choosing the extra batter requires India to post above-par totals and play fearlessly, rather than settling for conservative scores. India's batting has been bolstered by the return of Bharti Fulmali, who posted a strike rate of 159.5 across the 2025 and 2026 WPL editions, second only to Richa Ghosh among Indian batters with 250-plus runs. India enter the tournament as defending ODI World Cup champions under Harmanpreet Kaur.
What's missing
No details are provided on the specific nature or severity of Amanjot Kaur's and Kashvee Gautam's injuries, or whether either player could return later in the tournament. India's confirmed XI for the Pakistan match is also not disclosed.
What different sources said
- Times of IndiaCenter
Trust Shafali Verma, the bowler: Nasser Hussain offers 'safety valve' to India's balance problem in Women
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