ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: Richa Ghosh Holds The Key For India, Claims Aakash Chopra

As Team India are facing the Netherlands for the first time in Women’s T20Is, the women in blue are looking to keep their winning run in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. On JioStar’s ‘Game Plan’, expert Aakash Chopra spoke about Richa Ghosh, Shree Charani and his preferred India XI.

Chopra said the sides have not met before, but both may have studied each other. He also noted that Headingley in Leeds now offers good batting conditions. He added that Harmanpreet, Smriti and Richa looked in good touch, while India had beaten Pakistan and the Netherlands had lost to Bangladesh.

Chopra on Richa Ghosh and India’s middle order

“Richa Ghosh is a phenomenal batter. She uses her bottom hand exceptionally well. She also got a slight advantage in the last game when, in the final two overs, only three fielders were allowed outside the circle. And Richa is one of the very few players who can easily hit sixes of around 70-75 metres.

“So, I feel Smriti and Shafali can take care of the Powerplay more or less, but the difference between winning and losing for India, between India lifting the trophy or not, could well be Richa Ghosh.”

Shree Charani and Deepti Sharma also draw praise

On Shree Charani, Chopra said the young spinner is playing her first T20 World Cup, but has strong upside. He said she spins the ball well, bowls a little slower through the air, and does not get rattled after boundaries. He also named Sophie Ecclestone as the current benchmark.

Chopra added that Deepti Sharma knows these conditions well after playing in The Hundred. He said her “three wickets in one over, five wickets in total, game, set and match” effort showed a complete performance. He also said she understands English conditions well.