Exclusive: Anjum Chopra Expressed Happiness Over The Indian Team’s Recent Series Win Vs England; Especially Praised Smriti Mandhana

The Indian women’s cricket team carved out a monumental chapter in their sporting history by clinching their first-ever T20I series victory on English soil, defeating the hosts 3-2 in a gripping five-match contest. This landmark series win is not just another feather in the cap for Indian women’s cricket—it is a powerful proclamation that this team is ready to dominate, inspire, and redefine narratives globally.

The series, filled with thrilling performances, heroic comebacks, and iconic milestones, signaled a paradigm shift in the way Indian women’s cricket is viewed both at home and abroad. Former Indian captain and cricket pundit Anjum Chopra, in an exclusive conversation, shared her reflections on the team’s triumph, highlighting standout performances and the evolution of the squad’s mindset.

The Historic Series: A Collective Statement of Intent

From the moment the Indian women stepped onto English turf, there was a quiet confidence among the squad. And it didn’t take long for it to turn into roaring intent. In the first T20I, the stage belonged entirely to Smriti Mandhana, who scripted history by smashing a breathtaking century, becoming the first Indian woman cricketer to notch centuries across all three formats—Test, ODI, and T20I.

Reflecting on this victorious series, Anjum Chopra said,

“It felt incredible to see the Indian team execute such composed and aggressive cricket. The first T20 was outstanding—Smriti set the tone with her hundred. And when we were under pressure in the second match, it was Amanjot Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues who stepped up with a mature partnership. Every player had a role to play and delivered when it mattered.”

This cohesiveness and adaptability were evident in the way the team bounced back from tough situations, showing mental strength and tactical sharpness throughout the series.

Shafali Verma’s Resilient Return: A Phoenix Rising

Perhaps the most inspiring storyline from the series was the comeback of explosive opener Shafali Verma. Dropped from the national team in late 2024 due to inconsistent form, Verma went back to domestic cricket and the Women’s Premier League (WPL) to rebuild her game and confidence. And the result was on full display in the series-deciding fifth T20I, where she hammered 75 runs off just 44 balls, an innings laced with authority, composure, and raw power.

Anjum noted the transformation:

“You could see that Shafali had put in a lot of hard work. In the first two matches, she got decent starts but got out early. But in the final game, she looked determined and far more stable. It’s never easy to make a comeback, and for her to play such a knock in a crunch match shows her maturity. That innings should give her immense confidence going forward.”

Shafali’s journey is symbolic of the grit that defines this new Indian squad—players who are ready to learn from setbacks and return stronger.

Smriti Mandhana: The Torchbearer of Consistency and Class

While Shafali brought firepower, it was Smriti Mandhana’s elegance and consistency that proved to be the cornerstone of India’s top-order dominance. Her century in the first match didn’t just give India a strong start to the series—it marked a turning point in how Indian batters are now approaching overseas conditions.

Anjum lavished praise on the vice-captain:

“Smriti is in a zone right now. Her performances across formats have been phenomenal. She’s scoring runs everywhere and doing it in style. More importantly, her success boosts the entire team’s morale. Opponents also know that if they don’t get Smriti out early, they’re in trouble. Her dominance is crucial for India.”

Mandhana’s achievement of becoming the only Indian woman with centuries in all formats is more than just a stat—it’s a benchmark for future generations and a testament to her status as a modern-day great.

The Rise of Sri Charani: A New Spin Queen in the Making

Among the bright new faces in the team, Sri Charani emerged as the unexpected star. In just her first five T20Is, Charani picked up 10 wickets, including a sensational four-wicket haul in the series opener. Her consistency, guile, and confidence under pressure were signs of a bowler who belongs on the international stage.

Anjum observed:

“Sri Charani has made an instant impact. She’s competing with seasoned spinners like Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, and Sneh Rana, and yet she’s standing out. That speaks volumes. Her control and variation are impressive, and she’s improving with every game. Winning the Player of the Series as a bowler in a T20 series is no small feat—it shows she’s here to stay.”

Charani’s success underlines India’s growing depth in spin bowling and offers hope for dominating subcontinental and overseas conditions alike in the years to come.

Young Blood Meets Veteran Grit: A Balanced Indian Unit

What truly stood out in this series was the blend of youth and experience. The likes of Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and Radha Yadav held their nerves during key moments, while newcomers like Amanjot Kaur and Sri Charani stepped up when it mattered most. It’s this mix that makes the current Indian women’s team formidable.

Amanjot’s partnership with Jemimah in a pressure situation during the second T20I was a case in point. While wickets fell early, their steady batting helped India recover and eventually post a respectable score—again, underlining the team’s evolved mindset and composure.

An Eye on the Future: Building Momentum for Global Tournaments

This victory couldn’t have come at a better time. With the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 approaching, the Indian team’s performance in England is not just a one-off success—it’s a statement of intent. The confidence gained from conquering foreign conditions against a top-tier side like England will hold immense value as India prepares for global challenges ahead.

As Anjum pointed out:

“This series is a clear sign that Indian women’s cricket is on the rise. From Shafali’s comeback to Mandhana’s consistency and Sri Charani’s emergence, everything is pointing in the right direction. What we need now is to keep this momentum going. More international exposure, more matches against top teams, and continuing the WPL will help us build a world-class side.”

The Road Ahead: Time to Capitalize on the Momentum

With this historic win, the Indian women’s cricket team has taken a giant step forward. The series victory in England is not just a triumph on the field—it’s a cultural shift. It has sparked new excitement among fans, inspired aspiring cricketers, and earned respect from cricketing pundits worldwide.

To sustain this momentum, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) must continue to invest in the women’s game, organize more international tours, and ensure the Women’s Premier League (WPL) becomes a long-term incubator for talent. There is a generation of fearless Indian cricketers waiting to be unleashed, and this England tour may just be the beginning of a golden era.

A Team with the Heart of Champions

From Smriti’s elegance to Shafali’s fire, from Charani’s spin wizardry to Anjum Chopra’s measured insights—everything about this series win reflects a team that is united, hungry, and ready for the big stage. This is not just a victory over England; it is a victory over doubt, over the baggage of the past, and over the notion that Indian women’s cricket couldn’t thrive overseas.

This generation of cricketers has embraced the pressure, rewritten the script, and reminded everyone watching—India is not just participating anymore. India is here to win.

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