‘Hopefully we will do that…’: Captain Harmanpreet Kaur on Women’s ODI World Cup

Indian cricket veteran Harmanpreet Kaur is placing her faith in the team’s recent form, collective confidence, and new preparation strategies to overcome hurdles and finally clinch India’s first-ever Women’s World Cup title as the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 approaches rapidly. Scheduled to take place from September 30 to November 2 across India and Sri Lanka, this prestigious tournament presents an unparalleled opportunity for the Indian women’s cricket team to break their long-standing title drought.

Over the past several years, the performance of the Indian women’s cricket team has seen marked improvement. Despite their undeniable talent and multiple deep runs in past ICC tournaments, India is yet to secure an ICC world title in women’s cricket. They have come agonizingly close on two occasions — finishing runners-up in 2005 and 2017 — but the coveted trophy has eluded them. The upcoming 13th edition of the Women’s ODI World Cup, with its unique round-robin format leading into knockout semi-finals, holds immense significance as the home crowd’s roar and support will fuel the team’s ambition. Hosting the event on home soil brings both motivation and pressure, yet it also opens a window of opportunity that Harmanpreet and her teammates are determined to seize.

Speaking at an ICC event in Mumbai, Harmanpreet expressed her deep desire and readiness to give her all for the team. “Playing in front of a home crowd is always special,” she said. “Hopefully, this time we will give our 100 percent and try to break the barrier that all Indian fans and we have been waiting for.” The captain’s words echo the collective hope of millions of Indian cricket fans who have eagerly awaited this moment for decades.

Historically, India’s women’s team has had strong showings in World Cups: runners-up twice (2005 and 2017), third place in 2009, and respectable finishes in subsequent tournaments — seventh in 2013 and fifth in 2022. These performances have laid a foundation but also highlighted the gaps to be bridged. The upcoming tournament will feature a round-robin format where all teams play each other, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals. This format demands consistency and adaptability, qualities India has been developing steadily.

Harmanpreet also fondly recalls her unforgettable innings of 171 runs against Australia in the 2017 World Cup semifinal, a moment she describes as life-changing. “I still remember that innings — it was very special,” she said. “A lot changed for me personally after that. At that time I didn’t fully realise what had happened, but when we returned to India after losing the final, the number of people waiting for us and cheering us on was really remarkable. That moment was very special.” This innings not only marked her as one of the premier batters in the world but also inspired a generation of young girls across India to dream big in cricket.

As the World Cup draws near, India’s preparation includes a critical three-match ODI series at home against the defending champions and world number one team, Australia. This series, set to conclude just ten days before the World Cup begins, is arguably the best possible warm-up for the Indian team. Playing on familiar home grounds against a top-tier opponent offers both a stern test and a confidence booster. Harmanpreet sees this challenge as an ideal way to fine-tune strategies and build momentum.

The captain believes that the team’s recent growth — both in skills and mindset — combined with this rigorous preparation phase, will help them tackle the challenges posed by world-class opposition and the pressures of playing at home. The confidence gained through competitive matches against Australia is expected to sharpen India’s focus, resilience, and game plans. Harmanpreet and her squad are hopeful that these efforts will finally culminate in achieving the dream that Indian women’s cricket fans have nurtured for years: winning their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup.

With the tournament less than two months away, the spotlight is firmly on the Indian women’s cricket team. Harmanpreet’s leadership, experience, and determination, coupled with the team’s collective talent and recent promising form, have set the stage for a historic campaign. The stage is set for India to create new legends, inspire future generations, and etch their name in the annals of cricket history by lifting the trophy on home soil. The nation’s hopes rest on their shoulders, and the countdown to a potentially glorious moment for Indian women’s cricket has begun.