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WPL Before T20 WC Key to India's Success, Say Irfan Pathan & Varun Aaron

Former cricketer Irfan Pathan asserts that playing the Women's Premier League will provide Indian players with essential match practice and confidence ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. He highlights the increased depth in the player pool compared to a decade ago, which offers strong backup options. Varun Aaron adds that India's recent ODI World Cup victory, especially over Australia, has broken a significant psychological barrier for the team. Both believe this momentum and the BCCI's support give India a strong chance to win their maiden T20 World Cup title.

Key Points: WPL to Boost India's T20 World Cup Hopes: Pathan

  • WPL crucial for T20 WC prep
  • ODI WC win broke psychological barrier
  • Improved depth and power game
  • Australia remains key rival
2 min read

Playing WPL before T20 WC will benefit Team India: Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan says the Women's Premier League provides crucial game time and confidence for India's women ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.

"The biggest advantage is that the WPL comes right before the World Cup, so they go in with both game time and confidence. - Irfan Pathan"

Mumbai, Jan 6

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes the upcoming season of the Women's Premier League will play a crucial role in India's quest for a maiden T20 World Cup title, as the women's team heads into 2026 after ending a long wait for the ODI World Cup crown.

Pathan feels that playing in the WPL will give Indian players the game time and confidence they need ahead of the ICC tournament.

"Girls now play a lot more cricket, and that depth gives the team plenty of options, especially if injuries crop up, because you have ready-made backups. This current pool of players is something you simply didn't see ten years ago,' Pathan said on JioStar.

"The biggest advantage is that the WPL comes right before the World Cup, so they go in with both game time and confidence. Winning a World Cup in one format and then shifting to another is not a big hurdle anymore, particularly with how much their power game has improved. If they adapt quickly to conditions in England, it really should not be very difficult for them," he added.

Former India pacer Varun Aaron said that India's breakthrough ODI World Cup win had removed a long-standing psychological barrier and instilled belief within the squad.

"Australia used to be India's bogey team, but once the women got past them in that final and went on to win the title, it felt like a barrier had truly been broken. With that hurdle crossed, this group will feel they can achieve anything," Aaron said.

"There is a lot of momentum around the team right now. The support from fans and the BCCI gives them a great chance to finally win a T20 World Cup, although Australia will definitely be hungry for revenge," Aaron noted.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Fully agree. The bench strength we see now is incredible. Ten years ago, if Mandhana or Harmanpreet got injured, it was a crisis. Now we have multiple players ready to step up. The WPL has created that pipeline. The future is bright!
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Aman W
Varun Aaron made a great point about the psychological barrier. Beating Australia in that final was huge. That mental block is gone. Now they truly believe they belong at the top. The T20 WC is the next logical step. Jai Hind!
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Sarah B
While I'm excited, I hope the BCCI manages their workload properly. Playing high-intensity WPL right before a World Cup is great for form, but we must avoid burnout and injuries. The schedule needs to be smart. A respectful suggestion for the think tank.
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Karthik V
The power game improvement is real! Remember when 140 was a good score? Now they chase 160+ comfortably. WPL facing international bowlers every match is the best preparation. England conditions will be key, but this team can adapt. Chak De India!
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Nidhi U
So proud of our women's team! The momentum is with them. The entire country is behind them. Let's fill the stadiums for WPL and give them that home advantage energy. From being ignored to being icons, what a journey! 👏

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