Key Points

Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur is leading the team into a crucial home World Cup with high hopes. The selectors have opted for an experienced, stable squad, leaving out young opener Shafali Verma to gain more experience. India has come painfully close twice before, finishing as runners-up in 2005 and 2017. The team believes their balanced lineup and time playing together can finally deliver that elusive first World Cup trophy.

Key Points: Harmanpreet Kaur Leads India Women in Home World Cup Campaign

  • Harmanpreet Kaur captains India for first time in a World Cup tournament
  • Selectors prioritize team stability over including young batter Shafali Verma
  • India aims to break World Cup runner-up jinx from 2005 and 2017
  • Team looks to build on recent strong performance against England series
2 min read

Hopefully, we will play our best cricket: Harmanpreet Kaur ahead of Australia series and World Cup

Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur targets maiden World Cup title on home soil as selectors back experienced squad, omitting young star Shafali Verma.

"Hopefully, in both - Australia series and the World Cup, we will play our best cricket - Harmanpreet Kaur"

Mumbai, August 19

The Indian skipper, Harmanpreet Kaur, hopes to lead India to their maiden World Cup as she looks forward to what is a very important next few months for her and her side, as per the official website of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

"Personally, this tournament is very important for me. This is a home World Cup. Home World Cups are special for every player. I have a lot of experience batting at No.4, I am just looking to contribute to the team," said Harmanpreet Kaur, who will captain India for the first time in the marquee tournament, as quoted from the official website of ICC.

A notable omission for India is Shafali Verma, who also missed out on a spot in the recent ODI series against England. The opener had returned to the T20I side in the same series and was a part of the India 'A' side against Australia 'A'. However, the selectors have opted for stability as the team heads into this all-important tournament.

"She is playing for India 'A' in Australia. She is a part of the system. We are keeping an eye out for her. The more she plays, the more experience she will gain for the future," said Neetu David, Chief Selector, India Women's Team.

"Our team did well in England. We have been working on this squad for a long time now. I think the team we have picked is the best, so we don't want to play around with the team ahead of the World Cup. We just want Shafali to keep playing and gain some experience," David noted.

India has finished as runners-up twice, in 2005 and 2017, but has yet to claim the title. However, Harmanpreet Kaur believes her side has played enough cricket together and possesses everything needed to finally go all the way.

"The same team played in the England series, and we have been playing together for a long time now. Team looks quite balanced to me and hopefully, in both - Australia series and the World Cup, we will play our best cricket," the captain said.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While I understand the need for stability, leaving out Shafali Verma seems like a missed opportunity. Her explosive batting could have been our X-factor in crunch situations.
P
Priya S
This team has been building towards this moment for years. The heartbreak of 2017 final still hurts, but this time we have the experience and home support. Go girls! 💪
A
Arjun K
Australia series is the perfect preparation. If we can compete with them, we can win the World Cup. Harmanpreet's experience at number 4 will be crucial in middle overs.
M
Meera T
So proud of our women cricketers! They've come such a long way. Hope BCCI gives them same facilities and coverage as men's team. This World Cup could change everything for women's cricket in India.
D
David E
The balance between experience and youth looks good. Hope the pressure of home World Cup doesn't affect them. Australia will be tough opponents but our girls have the talent to beat anyone on their day.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50