Pandey Raises Concern Over Harmanpreet Kaur’s Strike Rate Ahead of Crucial Women’s T20 World Cup Clash

Former India fast bowler Shikha Pandey has expressed concern over captain Harmanpreet Kaur‘s strike rate during the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, urging the veteran batter to play with more freedom and aggression in the middle order.

Harmanpreet has scored 72 runs in three matches at a strike rate of 109.09, batting at different positions ranging from No. 4 to No. 6. While her experience remains crucial for India, Pandey believes the skipper is often burdened by the responsibility of rebuilding innings after wickets fall.

Pandey wants Harmanpreet to play her natural game

Speaking on JioStar’s Game Plan, Pandey said Harmanpreet’s strike rate is becoming a concern for India’s middle order.

“Harmanpreet Kaur’s strike rate is a cause for concern for India’s middle order. If a wicket falls early, we have seen Yastika Bhatia walk in, with Jemimah Rodrigues at number four. We might see Harman come in to bat at number four and Jemimah drop down to number five,” Pandey said.

She further emphasized that Harmanpreet performs best when she bats without worrying excessively about the situation.

“Wherever she bats, Harman should stop thinking about the wickets that have fallen and not try to rebuild because we have seen that when Harmanpreet Kaur is on song, she is a completely different player altogether.”

Pandey highlighted Harmanpreet’s strength against spin bowling and backed her to make a significant impact once she settles at the crease.

Jemimah Rodrigues backed to retain No. 3 spot

Former India batter Veda Krishnamurthy also weighed in on India’s batting concerns, backing Jemimah Rodrigues to continue batting at No. 3 despite a string of low scores.

India’s middle order struggled in the defeat to South Africa, with Yastika Bhatia, Rodrigues, and Harmanpreet combining for just 51 runs off 49 deliveries. Frequent wickets prevented the team from building momentum throughout the innings.

“For Jemimah, I’d still like to see her bat at number three. Just give her one role because it makes it a lot easier to prepare that way,” Veda said.

According to Krishnamurthy, constantly shifting batting positions can make preparation difficult and affect a batter’s confidence.

Shree Charani earns special praise

Pandey reserved special praise for young left-arm spinner Shree Charani, who has emerged as one of India’s standout performers in the tournament.

Charani has claimed 10 wickets in just three matches and has formed an effective spin partnership with Deepti Sharma.

“The way Shree Charani has bowled in tandem with Deepti Sharma has been great to watch. She has been varying her pace really well and keeping the stumps in play all the time,” Pandey said.

Pandey described Charani’s dismissal of South Africa’s Annerie Dercksen as the perfect example of high-quality left-arm spin bowling.

India face must-win situation

India now find themselves in a challenging position in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side may need victories in both of their remaining group-stage matches, including the upcoming clash against Bangladesh, while also keeping a close eye on net run rate calculations to secure a place in the semi-finals.

With the tournament entering a crucial phase, India’s experienced batters will need to step up, while bowlers like Shree Charani continue their impressive form.