India batter Jemimah Rodrigues said on 15 June that the team's historic triumph in the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup has fuelled both belief and an appetite for more global titles, adding that her personal approach in the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup centres on calculated risk-taking and applying sustained pressure on the opposition. India opened their T20 World Cup campaign with a commanding 64-run victory over Pakistan at Edgbaston and next face the Netherlands at Headingley on Wednesday.

Jemimah's Mindset: Calculated Risks, Maximum Pressure

Speaking after the Pakistan win, Rodrigues explained how the ODI World Cup triumph has rewired the squad's competitive instincts. 'What has happened with that World Cup win is that it has empowered us to be motivated to do even better. When you win one, and it may sound like a negative word, it's almost like an addiction; you want to win another one,' she said.

She added that the T20 format demands a specific mental shift. 'In T20 cricket, compared to other formats, you have to take calculated risks. For me, it is about being smart with when to take those risks and how to put the bowlers and the opposition under pressure. That will be my mindset,' Rodrigues told JioStar.

Mandhana's Tactical Evolution

Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, who top-scored with 68 in the tournament opener against Pakistan, outlined the adjustments that have sharpened her T20 game. 'More than anything, I feel this team is really hungry. Everyone looks determined to do the right things, and we would, for sure, like to carry our form into the T20 World Cup,' she said.

Mandhana pointed to Powerplay utilisation as a key area of growth. 'For me, the biggest change has been making better use of the Powerplay and understanding what I can do between overs 6 and 10, then pacing my innings accordingly, whether we are chasing or batting first. There is just one mindset: to do well for India in whatever situation the team requires,' she explained.

She also highlighted India's depth in batting firepower. 'If needed, I can anchor the innings or be the aggressor. That's my job. Then we have the likes of Shafali, Richa, and Harman; we have so many power-hitters coming in later. Even Jemimah and I, in our own ways, can find a way to play at a similar strike rate,' Mandhana added.

Coach Muzumdar Credits WPL for Squad's Confidence Surge

Head coach Amol Muzumdar credited the Women's Premier League (WPL) for the elevated confidence levels visible across the squad. He noted that preparations for the T20 World Cup began immediately after the ODI title win, with fitness identified as a primary focus area.

'If you look at what has transpired in the WPL over the last three years, it has been outstanding. For any girl or cricketer to play in front of a packed stadium and a capacity crowd, and then deliver match-winning performances, the confidence level goes sky-high. That has helped Indian cricket overall,' Muzumdar said.

India's Road Ahead in the Tournament

India's 64-run demolition of Pakistan at Edgbaston sent an early statement of intent in the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup. With the Netherlands fixture at Headingley next on the schedule, the team will look to maintain momentum and build on what is already a high-pressure, high-expectation campaign — one backed by the confidence of being reigning ODI world champions.