India, June 11 -- India has often arrived at global tournaments as contenders. They moved from contenders to challengers gradually but this year, at the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup, they are carrying something different - expectation. For years, they were viewed as a talented side capable of upsetting the favourites. Today, they are looked at as one capable of going all the way - the favourites.

After the ODI World Cup win last year, India produced some of their most convincing cricket overseas while continuing to build depth through domestic structures such as the Women's Premier League.

The success of Indian captains - namely Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana - has reflected a broader shift. This is no longer a team searching for be...