![Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur [Source: AP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1779544400552_SmritiMandhanaandHarmanpreetKaur.jpg?type=hq)
Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur [Source: AP]
As India Women eye the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, Smriti Mandhana, the star batter of the Women in Blue, believes that the national side is ready to claim an ICC trophy after their domination in the 50-over format.
The team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, is set to play its first match of the tournament on June 14 against Pakistan, promising to be a blockbuster clash at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
Smriti Mandhana Sends Passionate Warning To Other Teams
As the team gears up to achieve glory after a string of underwhelming performances in recent times, Mandhana believes that the recently concluded Women's Premier League has been a major boost behind the T20 rise of the Indian side.
As Smriti spoke about the hunger and aggressive passion for the upcoming title, she also did not forget to credit the T20I series in Australia.
“For sure, we will like to continue the good form which we've had, especially having the success in the 50-over format in the World Cup. And then, of course, WPL (Women's Premier League) was also good for a lot of players to get that experience, plus the T20 series in Australia.” said Smriti
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With players like Richa Ghosh, Shafali Verma, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur showcasing aggressive stroke play, Smriti too has been inspired to add greater intent to her batting approach.
“Having said that, with cricket, it's all about how you start again. But I feel more than anything, with this team, we are really hungry. Everyone looks very hungry in terms of doing the right things,” Smriti Mandhana said.
Mandhana Names Inspiration
She also highlighted the impact of batting alongside players like Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali, and Harmanpreet.
“I feel great as a batter top out of the order, we have so many power hitters coming in later. We can take our time. It has not been typical strength for this Indian team. But now it's turning out to be our strength because we have the likes of Shafali [Verma], Richa [Ghosh],” Smriti added.
T20 World Cup Passion Still Burning Strong For Smriti Mandhana
Speaking about the hunger to fight for the title, Smriti Mandhana reminisced about the respect she received from Australia during her T20 World Cup debut back in 2014, drawing inspiration from that experience nearly 12 years later. She now hopes to help India win the upcoming title in England.
“I was like 16 or 17 when I played my first World Cup. That time you are not thinking about what is happening and all. But then I saw the respect for the Australian team, for me, that is when I was like, that is what I want.” said the 29-year-old.
"As a player, that was pretty attractive that, OK, you know, when the Indian team goes, we need to command that respect.
“And for me, that is when I started feeling that, OK, I want to win the World Cup for India. I want to win the World Cup because I want to get that sort of a feeling,” Smriti Mandhana concluded.
India Women Set To Prep With England Series
Although India Women failed to dominate Australia during the recently concluded T20I series Down Under and suffered a 3-2 defeat, they will look to bounce back in the three-match T20I series against England Women, set to begin on May 28, ahead of the T20 World Cup. The three matches will be played on May 28, May 30, and June 2 across Chelmsford, Bristol, and Taunton.
India Women will play five group-stage matches in the World Cup, beginning with their opener against Pakistan, followed by fixtures against the Netherlands, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Australia on June 28, 2026.
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