India captain Harmanpreet Kaur has expressed confidence in her side ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, backing the squad to compete strongly despite a few difficult selection decisions.
“I will definitely rate this team as favourites and the team we picked today, they have the calibre to become champions.
“No pressure, no overconfidence. T20 cricket is only about playing good cricket.”
The tournament is scheduled to begin on June 12 in England and Wales, with India aiming to secure their first ICC title in the T20 format after winning the 50-over Cricket World Cup last year.
Injury Challenges and Squad Balance
One of the key setbacks for the team has been the absence of all-rounder Amanjot Kaur, who remains sidelined due to injury.
“Amanjot is our key player, she is not available. She is away from cricket for 4-5 months now. It was difficult to find someone like her, but we are trying. She got opportunities.
“We have got Radha back in the side, she is also an all-rounder. It was hard to find Amanjot’s replacement. We are trying to balance the team.”
Radha Yadav has been brought back into the squad to provide additional all-round depth following her performances with the India A side.
Selection Decisions in Focus
The squad selection also saw Harleen Deol miss out on the T20I setup, with the team opting for Bharti Fulmali to strengthen the middle order.
“Fulmali is a better option in the middle order. Harleen is there in the scheme of things, she is in the Test team. But for T20Is, Fulmali is a better option.”
Focus on Key Phases of the Game
Reflecting on the recent series in South Africa, Harmanpreet highlighted the importance of execution, particularly in the powerplay and middle overs.
“I feel that in T20s, powerplay is very important, if you are batting, you have to target runs. If you are bowling, you have to get a couple of wickets in that phase.
“We want to work very hard for the powerplay and also for the middle overs, as that also plays a big role. We have a plan and the learning which we got from South Africa.”
Backing Core Players
The captain also stressed the need for stability in team selection, backing players like Jemimah Rodrigues to continue contributing.
“Changing too many things doesn’t suit us. Whenever Jemimah has got the chance, she has proved the decision. With time, she will settle it.”
“Whatever the team needs, I’m ready for that. We are going to try a lot of things in the camp, to see what we will do in the World Cup. I’m always ready to fulfill any spot for the team.”
Opening Fixture
India will begin their campaign against Pakistan in Birmingham on June 14, as they look to translate confidence into performance on the global stage.
