India captain Harmanpreet Kaur says winning the ICC Women's ODI World Cup last year has fundamentally transformed the squad's mindset, as the team sets its sights on another global title at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026. Speaking ahead of the tournament, Harmanpreet described the maiden senior ICC title as a turning point that has reshaped what the side believes it can achieve.

Harmanpreet on the World Cup effect

'Yeah, 100 per cent. I think everybody will agree with me that life has completely changed after winning our first ODI World Cup. Hopefully, we'll continue this run of winning trophies. This is what I want as a captain, and I think it's what everyone in our team has been dreaming of. Hopefully, we'll continue moving in this direction,' Harmanpreet told JioStar.

The statement captures a shift that has been years in the making. India endured repeated near-misses at the highest level before the ODI World Cup breakthrough, and the skipper — who has been central to the team's rise over the past decade — is now determined to convert that historic win into a sustained run of success.

Warm-up form adds to optimism

India's preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026 have begun on a positive note. The team recently registered a warm-up victory over the West Indies in Cardiff, with several squad members delivering encouraging performances. The result reinforced the sense that India now enters major tournaments with genuine expectation rather than cautious hope.

Notably, this is a marked contrast to previous World Cup cycles, when India would often carry the weight of close finishes and missed opportunities into their campaigns. The ODI title appears to have cleared that psychological burden.

Squad balance and key players

India's squad for the T20 World Cup blends proven match-winners with emerging talent. Experienced campaigners Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma feature alongside Harmanpreet, while younger players who have impressed in recent international assignments add depth and versatility. The management will be looking to this combination to sustain the momentum built over the past year.

What's next for India women's cricket

With the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 fast approaching, India will be aiming to become only the second side to hold both the ODI and T20 World Cup titles simultaneously — a benchmark that underlines just how far the programme has come. The team's growing confidence, squad depth, and recent form make them one of the tournament's leading contenders.