As India prepare to host the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 after a 12-year wait, captain Harmanpreet Kaur exudes calm and confidence, insisting there is no pressure on the squad ahead of their opening match against Sri Lanka in Guwahati on Tuesday, September 30.
No Pressure, Just Excitement
Speaking to the media ahead of the tournament, Kaur emphasized the positive mindset within the camp. “Yes, the World Cup is coming back to India after 12 years, but we’re not feeling pressure at all. We’re all looking sharp and well-prepared,” she said. She added that the team had used the warm-up games to fine-tune every aspect of their preparation. “We tried to tick all the boxes during practice. Everyone is excited to play a World Cup in home conditions.”
India enter the tournament on the back of a four-wicket win over New Zealand in their final warm-up fixture, having previously lost to England. Kaur believes that familiarity with local pitches and the backing of home fans will give India a crucial edge.
The Power of Home Support
“The fans have been amazing, supporting us no matter what,” Kaur noted. “Home conditions and a home World Cup are always special, and I’m sure they’ll come out and cheer us on.” The skipper clearly values the crowd’s role, highlighting how it can lift the team during high-pressure moments.
Spinners to Lead the Charge
A standout feature of Kaur’s side is a formidable spin attack. Since the 2022 Cricket World Cup, India’s spinners have dominated, claiming 161 wickets in 38 matches—the most by any team during this period. “Spinners have always been our strength,” Kaur said. “We’ve shown them a lot of trust, and they’ve delivered consistently. We’ll assess the pitch in practice today and decide on the playing XI accordingly.”
ODI Experience Key to Success
Kaur also highlighted how India’s focus on One-Day Internationals over the past year has bolstered the team’s confidence. “Since the last T20 World Cup, we’ve played more ODIs and won most of them. This gives us a lot of belief heading into the tournament. The team has great experience, and many of us have played together for years, which is a huge advantage.”
India will officially kick off the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 against Sri Lanka at ACA Stadium, Guwahati, with fans eager to witness the home team in action.