With the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 about to begin, India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur has laid bare her team’s ambitions. For her, this tournament is not just another campaign – it is about creating history on home soil.

“It’s our chance to create history,” Harmanpreet said with quiet determination. “It’s a home World Cup for all of us, and we want to make it special for every supporter who has stood behind the team throughout our journey.”

The World Cup carries a different weight this time. India has grown steadily over the past few years, reaching finals and semi-finals but missing out on the ultimate prize. The elusive ICC trophy remains the gap in an otherwise inspiring story, and Harmanpreet believes this squad is ready to close that chapter.

Building towards the big stage

The build-up, according to the skipper, has been as much about self-discovery as it has been about cricketing drills. “The journey towards this World Cup has been enriching. We’ve had to learn, unlearn, and relearn in our quest to get better. That process has brought us even closer as a unit and reignited the fire within us to finally get our hands on an ICC trophy,” she explained.

India’s preparations have been systematic and intense. High-performance camps were held in Visakhapatnam and at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, with players put through rigorous training and scenario-based matches. “The camps have been extremely helpful. They allowed us to fine-tune our game just before the World Cup,” Harmanpreet added.

The team comes into the tournament with recent results boosting their confidence. Home and away wins in the past year have shown the depth of talent in the squad and provided a sense of momentum heading into the World Cup.

A balanced squad

What stands out about India’s squad is the blend of experience and youthful energy. The batting line-up has familiar names who have delivered consistently on the big stage, alongside youngsters eager to make a mark.

Smriti Mandhana’s elegant stroke play, Jemimah Rodrigues’ ability to control innings, and Harleen Deol’s versatility are expected to anchor the top order. They are joined by rising talents such as Pratika Rawal, Richa Ghosh and Uma Chetry, who bring freshness and flair.

The bowling unit also looks formidable. Renuka Singh Thakur and Arundhati Reddy provide pace and control, while young Kranti Gaud and N Sree Charani add an element of surprise. Radha Yadav, with her crafty spin, will be crucial in the middle overs.

All-rounders often decide the course of major tournaments, and India is well-stocked in this department too. Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana and Amanjot Kaur are all capable of turning matches with both bat and ball. Their presence gives the team balance and flexibility.

Harmanpreet herself remains the heartbeat of the side – a captain who leads with aggression and intent, and who has delivered memorable knocks when it mattered most.

The unseen heroes

Behind the scenes, the support staff has played its part in shaping a positive environment. The coaching group has worked hard on technical refinement, while also emphasising mental conditioning and team bonding. Harmanpreet believes this atmosphere will be crucial.

“The support staff has created a wonderful vibe around and within the group. That kind of positivity is what we need to push ourselves towards the ICC title,” she said.

She also credited fans for their unwavering faith. “We have always valued the support given by our fans. Their energy has been key to our success, and during this home World Cup, their backing will be more important than ever.”

The bigger picture

The Women’s World Cup has grown in stature, and this edition promises to be one of the most competitive yet. Teams like Australia, England and South Africa have consistently raised the bar, while emerging sides such as Bangladesh and Ireland continue to make rapid progress.

Harmanpreet knows the challenge is immense but insists her squad is mentally ready. “The competition is always stiff, but this team believes in its skills, its preparations, and its tenacity to overcome any challenge,” she said.

For Indian women’s cricket, the stakes are high. A World Cup victory on home soil would not only end the long wait for an ICC trophy but also provide a massive boost to the sport’s popularity in the country. It could inspire a new generation of girls to pick up the bat and ball, dreaming of following in the footsteps of Harmanpreet, Smriti and others.

Eyes on glory

As the team prepares for its opening match, the sense of anticipation is palpable. The players know the weight of expectation, but they also carry the belief that they can rise above it.

“With a well-balanced squad, focused preparations, and a hunger to succeed, we are entering this World Cup with positivity and belief,” Harmanpreet summed up. “We are ready to thrive in the challenging conditions and determined to write a glorious chapter in the history of Indian cricket.”

For the skipper and her team, this tournament is about more than just cricket. It is about finishing what previous generations started, about lifting that long-awaited trophy, and about proving that Indian women’s cricket belongs at the very top of the world stage.

As Harmanpreet said, this is their chance to create history. And if they can seize it, the roar of the crowd and the celebrations across the country will echo far beyond the boundary lines.