As India gears up to host the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, captain Harmanpreet Kaur is setting the tone for a campaign defined by enjoyment and focus, rather than the weight of expectations. Speaking at a captains’ press meet organized by the International Cricket Council in Bengaluru on September 26, 2025, Harmanpreet expressed her excitement about leading India in a home World Cup, a rare opportunity occurring after a 12-year gap.
With the tournament set to begin on October 30, 2025, in Guwahati against Sri Lanka, she emphasized the importance of savoring the moment while managing the pressures of playing before a passionate home crowd eager for a maiden ODI World Cup title.
Harmanpreet’s approach is rooted in keeping the team’s focus squarely on cricket, particularly ahead of high-stakes matches like the clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on October 5 in Colombo. Acknowledging the charged atmosphere of recent Indo-Pak encounters in the Asia Cup, she dismissed distractions stemming from political connotations, stating that the team avoids such discussions in the dressing room.
Her leadership philosophy centers on controlling what is within the team’s grasp—executing their skills on the field—while tuning out external noise. This mindset, she believes, will allow India to navigate the tournament’s challenges and capitalize on their home advantage.
The strength of the competition was a recurring theme at the press meet, with Australia’s captain Alyssa Healy acknowledging India as a formidable opponent in their home conditions. Reflecting on Australia’s recent 2-1 ODI series win in India, Healy highlighted the need for sustained composure to handle flat wickets and prolonged pressure, a lesson she sees as critical for the defending champions, who boast seven World Cup titles.
New Zealand’s Sophie Devine, fresh off a T20 World Cup victory, expressed confidence in her team’s ability to play fearless cricket, leveraging the self-belief gained from younger players. England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt, balancing roles as captain and key batter, spoke of compartmentalizing her responsibilities to maintain focus, while Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu embraced the underdog status against India, citing past victories as motivation.
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With a competitive field and intense scrutiny, Harmanpreet’s leadership will be pivotal. Her emphasis on enjoying the moment, combined with a disciplined focus on cricketing fundamentals, positions India to tackle the challenges of a stacked tournament. As the host nation, India aims to harness home support and deliver performances that align with the dreams of fans and the legacy of cricket in the country.
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