By Trisha Ghosal in Guwahati
India will open their Women’s ODI World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka in Guwahati on Tuesday, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur was clear about the emotions in her camp. “Playing at home is always special. Of course there’s some pressure, but more than that, there’s excitement. The whole team is in a positive frame of mind and looking forward to tomorrow.”
For Harmanpreet, this will be her first time leading India in a 50-over World Cup. After years of captaining in T20Is, she described the occasion as a “dream realised” and said her focus was on setting the right tone from the very first match.
Spin Remains India’s Trump Card
Asked about balance, Harmanpreet insisted spin would continue to play a decisive role but stressed the importance of pace too. “Spinners have always been our strength. But our pacers are equally important. They bring us back into games. We’ll assess conditions tomorrow before making the final call,” she said.
The Guwahati wicket, she admitted, is somewhat unknown territory. “I didn’t play here when India last toured because I was injured. Those were day games. Now we play day-night. The wicket looks different, so we’ll assess it carefully.”
Fans and the Growing Buzz
A major talking point of this edition has been crowds. “Over the last 3-4 years, fans have been outstanding,” Harmanpreet said. “Wherever we’ve played, they’ve supported us, regardless of results. Playing at home in a World Cup makes it extra special for both us and the fans. I’m confident they’ll come in big numbers.”
A Stronger, Clearer Unit
The skipper was quick to highlight how much her team has evolved since India’s last T20I World Cup in Dubai in 2024. “We’ve played a lot more one-day cricket, and that has given us confidence. Everyone now knows their roles clearly, whether in batting or bowling. That clarity has made us stronger as a unit,” she explained.
Compared to the 2013 edition, she noted, women’s cricket now commands bigger venues and greater attention. “Earlier, we played in smaller grounds. Now we’re in bigger stadiums with more awareness. It gives us confidence that the game has moved forward.”
Uma Chetry and the Local Edge
One name that drew attention was Guwahati’s own Uma Chetry, a replacement in India’s squad. Harmanpreet praised her impact. “Uma has shown her calibre in the practice matches. She knows the conditions and is an important member of our squad. If she gets her opportunity, I’m confident she’ll make it count.”
India’s Big Picture
On the broader question of whether an Asian team can win, echoing Chamari Athapaththu’s wish, Harmanpreet was optimistic. “Asia has a good chance, yes. Not just because of home advantage, but because of the cricket we’ve played in recent years. We’ve improved in all departments.”
But she was equally clear about staying grounded. “Right now, our focus is only on tomorrow’s game and setting the right tone for the tournament. If we keep enjoying our cricket and don’t take unnecessary pressure, I’m sure we’ll do well.”