Harmanpreet Kaur’s India is all set to take on New Zealand in their first match of the Women’s T20 World Cup this Friday at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This is the ninth edition of the tournament, and India is still searching for their first T20 World Cup title. In 2020, India made it to the final but lost to Australia. Now, the team is focused on starting strong and making a fresh bid for the trophy.
Ahead of India’s big opener against New Zealand in Dubai, Harmanpreet Kaur sat down with TimesofIndia.com at a Puma India event to talk about the team’s World Cup prospects. The Indian captain shared her views on their chances of winning the title, possible team combinations, and more. When asked if it’s now time for the women’s team to match the men’s success and lift the coveted trophy, she expressed confidence, saying they’re ready to give it their all.
I love how you put pressure on us with this (laughs). We are eager to give it our all and are quite enthusiastic. In order to get ready for this major competition, the squad has performed really well. We’re not going to overlook anything. We have a good attitude, and I have no doubt that we will succeed.
Can we expect Harmanpreet to do what Rohit did in Barbados?
Yes, that’s definitely our goal! We’re excited and ready to give it our all. As I’ve mentioned before, we’ve prepared well, and we’re in a positive mindset. In our team meetings, we often discuss how this tournament is a great opportunity for us. I always tell my team, “Go out there and enjoy your game!” That’s the key to success—playing with joy.
Who do you think are two key players for India in this World Cup?
As the captain, I believe that every player on our team is crucial. Each one has a unique role to play, and I know what they can bring to the table. It’s not about picking just two players; it’s about teamwork. When someone is on the field, they need to take responsibility and step up to help us win. Every single player has the potential to make a difference, and that’s what makes our team strong.
Have you checked the UAE conditions?
Originally, this tournament was supposed to be held in Bangladesh, but now it’s taking place in the UAE. I know the conditions here will be tough, so I’ll make sure we adjust our team lineup based on what we find. It’s essential to understand the pitch and weather to perform our best. We want to be ready for any challenge that comes our way.
What about your aggressive style on the field?
My aggression is just part of who I am. It’s not forced or something I put on for show; it comes naturally. This drive helps me stay focused and determined. When I’m on the field, my main goal is to see my team win. I’ve always played with this mindset, and I believe it pushes us to perform at our highest level.
Is Jemimah Rodrigues the most entertaining team member?
Absolutely! Jemimah is like the heart of our team. She’s always cheerful and brings so much energy to our dressing room. Her positivity keeps everyone smiling, and it’s great to have someone like her on our side. Having players who can lift the team’s spirit is so valuable, especially during tough matches.
How has the WPL helped Indian women’s cricket?
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is a game changer for us, much like the IPL has been for men’s cricket. We’ve been waiting for this league for many years, and it provides a massive platform for women cricketers. The WPL has brought out so much talent in Indian cricket. Personally, playing in the WPL has been a dream come true. It’s something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time, and now that it’s finally here, I’m loving every moment of it.
Looking ahead, what’s your message to the fans?
I want to say a big thank you to our fans for their constant support. It means the world to us. We’re going to give our best in this World Cup, and I hope you all enjoy the journey with us. Let’s make some great memories together!
