Big news from the world of women’s cricket: Shafali Verma has made a massive leap in the ICC Women’s T20I rankings, climbing to sixth place on the back of a stellar performance against Sri Lanka. With three consecutive unbeaten fifties in the multi-format series, the 20-year-old opener is proving she’s not just a flash-in-the-pan talent—she’s evolving into a consistent match-winner for India.
Meanwhile, all-rounder Deepti Sharma continues to dominate the bowling charts, holding firm at No. 1 in the same rankings. This dual success underscores India’s growing depth and balance in the T20I format—a crucial advantage as the team gears up for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
But what’s driving Shafali’s rise? And how is India building one of its most formidable women’s squads in recent memory? Let’s break it all down.
Just a few months ago, Shafali Verma was outside the top 10 in the ICC Women’s T20I batting rankings. But her explosive yet mature performances against Sri Lanka have catapulted her to No. 6—her highest position since early 2023.
In the recent T20I series, Shafali smashed three unbeaten half-centuries: 54*, 74*, and 52*. More impressively, her strike rate hovered around 150, blending aggression with remarkable control. Gone are the days of reckless hitting; this new Shafali picks her moments, anchors innings, and finishes games—hallmarks of a top-tier modern opener.
“She’s learning fast,” said former India captain Anjum Chopra in a recent analysis. “What’s changed isn’t her power—it’s her patience.”
While Shafali grabs headlines with the bat, Deepti Sharma continues to anchor India’s bowling attack with quiet authority. She remains the No. 1-ranked T20I bowler in the ICC women’s list—a position she’s held with consistency thanks to her economy (under 6.00 in the last 12 months) and wicket-taking ability in high-pressure phases.
Against Sri Lanka, Deepti’s figures were economical and incisive, often breaking partnerships in the middle overs. Her ability to bowl tight lines while extracting subtle turn makes her indispensable in T20 cricket, where control often trumps flamboyance.
India’s rise isn’t just about its stars—depth is the real story. Several other players have gained valuable ranking points:
This growing bench strength signals a strategic shift in Indian women’s cricket—no longer reliant on a few names, but building a squad capable of withstanding pressure across all conditions.
With the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup on the horizon, India’s current form is a strong indicator of their ambitions. Having a top-6 batter in Shafali, a No. 1 bowler in Deepti, and rising talents like Renuka and Shreyanka gives head coach Amol Muzumdar multiple tactical options.
More importantly, the team is striking a balance between youth and experience—Smriti Mandhana (ranked No. 3) provides stability at No. 3, while Shafali’s fearless starts set the tone. If this synergy continues, India could be serious contenders to dethrone current champions Australia, who still dominate the top of the rankings.
For context, here’s where India stands among the global elite (as of December 2025):
| Rank | Batter | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beth Mooney | Australia |
| 2 | Tahlia McGrath | Australia |
| 3 | Smriti Mandhana | India |
| 4 | Lauren Winfield-Hill | England |
| 5 | Suzie Bates | New Zealand |
| 6 | Shafali Verma | India |
Among bowlers, Deepti Sharma leads an Indian contingent that now has three players in the top 15—a rarity just two years ago.
Shafali Verma’s rise to No. 6 in the Shafali Verma ICC rankings is more than just a personal milestone—it’s a reflection of India’s strategic investment in young talent and all-round squad depth. With Deepti Sharma firmly at No. 1 among bowlers and emerging stars like Renuka Singh and Shreyanka Patil gaining ground, the Indian women’s team is building a formidable unit ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. As Shafali continues to mature and balance flair with responsibility, a top-3 ICC ranking could be just around the corner.
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