By Rajdeep Saha | Sep 26, 2025 | 10:04 PM
**Harmanpreet Kaur Expresses Confidence Ahead of 2025 ODI World Cup**
As the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup approaches, Indian women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur has expressed strong confidence about the team’s chances. Hosted by India after a gap of 12 years, this tournament holds special significance for the Indian team.
Speaking at a captains’ meet in Bengaluru, Harmanpreet said, “No doubt we have been through these situations many times.” She emphasized that the team has been consistently playing good cricket and is focused on enjoying the moment instead of dwelling on past mistakes.
### Captaincy Challenges
The 2025 World Cup marks Harmanpreet’s fifth ODI World Cup appearance but her first as captain. She described the experience of leading India in a home World Cup as “unbelievable.” Despite the pressures that come with the role, Harmanpreet is keen to keep the team’s spirits high and avoid taking on “too much pressure” while chasing their maiden title.
“I just want to go there and enjoy, and play my best cricket,” she added.
### Team Dynamics and Praise for Smriti Mandhana
Harmanpreet also took the opportunity to praise her teammate Smriti Mandhana for her stellar form in 2025, highlighting her impressive 928 runs in ODIs this year.
“She has been great,” said Harmanpreet. “The way she is batting nowadays is something really exciting to watch.”
She acknowledged how having players in such fine form makes things easier on the pitch and boosts the overall team dynamics.
### Preparation Strategies: Adapting to Indian Conditions
Addressing concerns about adapting to Indian conditions, Harmanpreet appeared confident. “The wickets are going to be flat,” she said, adding that the team will have ample practice sessions to acclimatize.
Though some stadiums where the matches will be held are unfamiliar to the players, Harmanpreet believes data analysis and preparation will help them adjust effectively to the conditions.
### Pressure Management: Insights from Australia Captain Alyssa Healy
Defending champions Australia, the most successful team in Women’s ODI World Cup history with seven titles, are also gearing up for a tightly contested tournament. Their captain Alyssa Healy weighed in on the competition.
“I firmly believe that this is going to be the tightest World Cup that we have been a part of,” Healy stated. She emphasized that “every team is on equal footing” this time, and every squad knows what it takes to win.
With all teams equally determined, the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup promises to be an exciting and fiercely competitive event. India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, is ready to take on the challenge and delight fans on home soil.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/harmanpreet-optimistic-as-india-gear-up-for-women-s-odi-wc/story