'Life has completely changed after ODI WC, we'll continue this run of winning trophies': Harmanpreet Kaur
New Delhi, June 9
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur believes the team's historic ICC Women's Cricket World Cup triumph last year has transformed the outlook of the side, as the players prepare for another shot at global glory at the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026.
After years of near misses and heartbreak on the biggest stages, India finally broke through by securing their maiden senior women's ICC title with a 50-over World Cup win. As India gear up for the T20 World Cup, skipper Harmanpreet said the breakthrough success has had a profound impact on the squad's confidence and belief.
"Yeah, 100 per cent. I think everybody will agree with me that life has completely changed after winning our first ODI World Cup. Hopefully, we'll continue this run of winning trophies. This is what I want as a captain, and I think it's what everyone in our team has been dreaming of. Hopefully, we'll continue moving in this direction," Harmanpreet told JioStar.
The experienced skipper has been one of the central figures in India's rise over the past decade. Having featured in multiple ICC events and witnessed several campaigns end in disappointment, Harmanpreet now leads a side carrying the confidence that comes from knowing it can win on the biggest stage.
That confidence has been evident in India's preparations for the T20 World Cup. The team recently began its warm-up campaign with a victory over the West Indies in Cardiff, with several squad members delivering encouraging performances. The result added to the growing optimism surrounding a team that now enters major tournaments with heightened expectations rather than lingering doubts.
India's squad blends experienced campaigners such as Harmanpreet, Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma with emerging talents who have impressed in recent international assignments. The management will hope that the combination can help sustain the momentum generated by last year's World Cup success.
With the T20 World Cup fast approaching, India will be aiming to build on the most successful chapter in their history and add another ICC trophy to their collection.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is the most exciting time to be an Indian women's cricket fan! The transformation under Harmanpreet's captaincy has been nothing short of remarkable. From being perennial bridesmaids to world champions—what a turnaround! The blend of experience and youth is perfect, and players like Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh bring that X-factor. But I hope the management doesn't get complacent. We still need to improve consistency in batting against quality spin, especially on slow tracks. Vaise bhi, ek aur trophy chahiye ab! 🏆🔥
Great to see this positive energy! The ODI WC win was indeed historic, and it's heartening that the team carries that belief now. However, I'd like to point out a small concern—our fast bowling depth, especially in the death overs, still looks a bit thin. Renuka Singh needs more support from the other end. That said, Harmanpreet's captaincy in pressure situations has been top-class. If we can fix those little gaps, we'll be unstoppable. Go girls! 👏🏏
As an Australian cricket fan who follows women's cricket closely, I have to say—India's rise has been phenomenal. Harmanpreet is right about the mindset shift. That World Cup win wasn't a fluke; they outplayed everyone in that tournament. The semi-final against Australia was one of the best games I've seen. The T20 World Cup will be tough with teams like England and West Indies in form, but India have the momentum. This time, they won't be underdogs. Looking forward to some cracking cricket! 🏏💪
Yes Harmanpreet! This is exactly what we wanted to hear. The confidence is real—after years of 'almost there', we finally have a champion
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