NEW DELHI: Former England wicketkeeper and Gujarat Giants fielding coach Sarah Taylor believes the rise of power-hitting among Indian batters across formats has turned India into a dominant force in world cricket, with the men’s T20 side now seen as a constant threat at global tournaments.

She also said the Women’s Premier League (WPL) has played a major role in fast-tracking the growth of women’s cricket in India.

Speaking ahead of the WPL eliminator against Delhi Capitals in Vadodara, Taylor said Indian women’s cricket is in the middle of a transformation, with the current generation blending power into what was once a largely classical style.

“They're on their way. It's scary where the girls were last year and where they are now,” Taylor told PTI Videos.

“The power coming into the domestic game here is incredible. In five years' time, India will be absolutely flying.”

Taylor pointed out that players who may not appear physically imposing are now regularly clearing the ropes, something rarely seen in the past.

“You've got young girls who are tiny but hitting sixes straight down the ground. That power just wasn't part of the game earlier,” she said.

WPL providing crucial World Cup exposure

Highlighting the impact of the WPL, Taylor said the league has given young Indian cricketers invaluable match exposure ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup, which will be held in the UK later this summer.

“They're playing under lights, in tight games, with some of the best players in the world, watching how they go about their cricket and picking up little titbits,” she said.

“Going into the World Cup, these girls should have no problems. They've been there, done that.”

Taylor also identified youngsters like Anushka Sharma as future stars, adding that the eagerness to learn among Indian players has been key to their rapid rise.

“They want to learn, and that's the most beautiful thing. They're only going to get better,” she said.

Men’s team depth ‘utterly ridiculous’

Turning her attention to the men’s game, Taylor said India’s recent results reflect the sheer depth of talent available in the country.

“Having a look at the series they've just played against New Zealand, they're obviously going so well. India are so strong — the amount of talent they have is utterly ridiculous,” Taylor said.

“Some of the shots they play, we sit and watch and think, 'I don't know how that's just gone over cover from a ball on leg stump',” she added.

While stopping short of backing India to lift the title due to her loyalty to England, Taylor said India would always remain among the favourites at the T20 World Cup.

“They're always up there and they always will be. I'm a massive England fan, so I can't say India are going to go and win it, but they will absolutely be right at the top,” she said.

Reflecting on her own career, Taylor clarified that her decision to retire from England duty at the age of 30 was influenced by clarity over contracts and selection, rather than mental health alone.

“From a factual point of view, I knew, given the meetings that were taking place, that I wasn't going to be offered a contract,” she said.

“I didn't particularly want that meeting, and it became a case of saying, 'Cool, I'm done then'.”

Taylor described the call as a rational end to what she termed a “wonderful career”, adding that it has shaped her outlook as a coach.

“I've tried really hard and had an amazing career. That was just the factual situation at the time,” she concluded.

(With PTI Inputs)