India are the current ODI world champions. Their preparations for becoming the T20I world champions in 2026 begins tomorrow with the five-match series against Sri Lanka. The first two T20Is will be played in Vizag, followed by the remaining three in Trivandrum. On the eve of the series, captain Harmanpreet Kaur addressed the media. Here are the excerpts from the press conference.
On hectic days after the World Cup win
Harmanpreet admitted that the schedule post the ODI World Cup triumph has been relentless but insisted she wouldn’t have it any other way. “It was hectic, but I want these kind of schedules after every World Cup,” she said, adding that despite the exhaustion, the team has been eagerly waiting to get back on the field. “At the end of the day, we enjoy ourselves on the field. That’s what we have been missing.”
On how different it is to begin a World Cup journey in a different format
With the focus shifting to T20 cricket, Harmanpreet stressed the importance of mentally parking the ODI success. According to her, India’s journey towards the next World Cup requires clarity, adaptability, and embracing new faces. “As a team, we are really looking forward to the next World Cup. This is a different format, a different challenge, and it needs a fresh mindset,” she said.
On comparison between the 2025 World Cup ‘explosion’ and 2017
Drawing comparisons with the aftermath of the 2017 World Cup, Harmanpreet highlighted a cultural shift. “Back then, we didn’t have a trophy. People kept saying one day this team will win the World Cup,” she reflected. “This time, there was satisfaction, peace and pride. We were humble and grateful, but we were also able to enjoy the moment fully because we are world champions.”
On the significance of this series with the T20 World Cup just six months away
Harmanpreet made it clear that every T20 game from now on feeds into the larger goal. “Our end goal is the T20 World Cup,” she said. This series, according to her, is vital not only for preparation but also for testing combinations. “We want to play with a free mindset, the way we have been playing T20 cricket for the last couple of years.”
On Sri Lanka as a dangerous opponent, and youngsters getting chances
Acknowledging Sri Lanka’s strengths, Harmanpreet pointed to their balanced batting and strong spin attack in Asian conditions. She also confirmed that youngsters will be given opportunities. “This is the right time to give them experience before the World Cup,” she said, underlining that the series is as much about building depth as it is about results.
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