The hopes are high, and Harmanpreet Kaur realises it. The India women’s cricket team has improved year after year, but an ICC trophy continues to elude them. Despite being perhaps the strongest team after Australia in the last 5 years or so, India has made just one ICC Final in the period.
Awaiting ICC glory at home
The Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, to be played in India and Sri Lanka, will provide the perfect opportunity to overcome this hurdle. This would certainly be Harmanpreet’s last ODI World Cup, and she knows it. So, to win their maiden ICC trophy and that too at home, will be perfect.
“Playing in front of a home crowd is always special, and hopefully this time we’ll give our 100 per cent and finally break the barrier that all Indian fans have been waiting for. World Cups are always special, always want to do something special for my country. Whenever I see Yuvi bhaiya (Yuvraj Singh), it gives me a lot of motivation,” Harmanpreet said at the 50-day countdown launch for the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025.
To prepare for the tournament, the India women will play a 3-match ODI series against the reigning champions. Facing the best team and top contender would be the perfect way to fine-tune the team and test where they stand.
“Playing against Australia is always challenging, and we get to know what is our standing. The series (three ODIs vs Australia) will give us a lot of confidence. We have been putting a lot of effort in our training camps, and the results are showing,” Harmanpreet added.
Historic innings against Australia
The Indian captain also remembered her 171-run knock in 2017, which is often considered to be one of the best World Cup innings across genders. Although India didn’t win the tournament, her knock propelled them to the final.
“I still remember that knock – it was very special. A lot changed for me personally after that. At the time, I didn’t fully realise what had happened, but when we returned to India after losing the final, the number of people waiting and cheering for us was truly remarkable. That was something very special,” the India skipper recalled.
