New Delhi, Sep 26 (NationPress) The captain of India, Harmanpreet Kaur, has recognized the immense expectations leading up to the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup. She expressed confidence that the team is poised to make their fans proud during the competition hosted on their home turf.

India is gearing up to pursue their first senior women’s global championship in front of their home supporters, starting their journey on September 30 against co-hosts Sri Lanka in Guwahati.

“My mindset remains unchanged when we play in a World Cup: I aim to achieve something remarkable for my team and nation. I continuously inspire myself this way. When I step onto the field, I strive to remain pressure-free,” stated Harmanpreet.

“Competing in a World Cup on home soil will be an extraordinary occasion for all of us. Winning here would mark a momentous event in my life and for the entire nation. Everyone is eagerly anticipating that victory, and I hope we won’t let them down this time,” she added during her conversation on JioStar.

This tournament signifies Harmanpreet’s inaugural captaincy at an ODI World Cup, making it her fifth participation in a global 50-over event. “This is my fifth ODI World Cup, and leading the team in a home-hosted event is unparalleled. While it's a home World Cup, we aim to avoid self-imposed pressure. Our primary goal is to enjoy our cricket,” she remarked.

“The 2017 World Cup was transformative for us, raising significant awareness in India. We now have a strong group of talent, and the Women’s Premier League has significantly impacted our careers. Each year has brought a wave of positivity to our cricket. The feeling during the national anthem is indescribable; it’s a source of immense pride for me,” she mentioned.

In discussing the team dynamics, Harmanpreet noted, “The atmosphere among team members is very optimistic. Our fans also seem upbeat, as the extensive cricket we’ve played over the past year and a half indicates our readiness for this monumental event. Enjoying the game is crucial, regardless of the tournament or location.”

Reflecting on her debut in the Women’s ODI World Cup back in 2009, she said, “That was an incredibly special occasion. One day I was an 18-year-old celebrating my birthday, and the next I was informed I would play. Representing my country in the ODI World Cup was monumental.”

“I felt nervous the night before, but stepping onto the field and witnessing the crowd was a unique experience. As a young cricketer, my aspiration was always to play for my country, and debuting against Pakistan made it even more unforgettable, as it is a significant match for all of us,” she reminisced.

“The pressure on the women’s team was substantial, especially since I was quite young. It felt like playing at home, and I did feel that pressure due to the enormity of the tournament in front of a local audience. This experience has been invaluable and continues to guide me,” she concluded.