Five-time Women’s T20 World Cup champion Jess Jonassen believes India is the frontrunner for the upcoming tournament due to their depth, versatility, and familiarity with the spin-friendly UAE pitches. Jonassen, who missed out on Australia’s squad for this edition, also highlighted England and Sri Lanka as favorites to make the top four.
Despite Australia’s dominance in the tournament, Jonassen acknowledges the challenges they face in defending their title due to their lack of experience in UAE conditions. However, she emphasizes that Australia’s big-tournament experience and adaptability should not be underestimated.
Jonassen also addressed concerns about India’s bowling depth, stating that the team has versatile players like Jemimah Rodrigues who can contribute with the ball. She believes that spin will play a crucial role in the tournament, and teams that adapt best to the conditions will have an advantage.
Despite her disappointment at missing out on the squad, Jonassen expressed pride in her efforts and acknowledged that she gave her all to earn selection. She will be watching the tournament closely and supporting her teammates from afar.
