India batter Harleen Deol on 23 October 2026 said that being reigning world champions adds 'a little pressure' but is equally a privilege, as the team sets its sights on the inaugural ICC Women's Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in India from 14 to 28 February 2027. Her remarks came ahead of India's three-match women's ODI series against Zimbabwe, beginning Friday in Vadodara.

India's Champions Trophy Ambitions

'Definitely, we're looking forward to it. Obviously we are world champions, and obviously that adds a little pressure on us, and it's a privilege, and we're grateful for it, and we're really looking forward to the cycle,' Harleen told broadcasters on the eve of the first ODI.

India, who clinched the Women's ODI World Cup in 2025, will be among the tournament favourites when the inaugural edition of the Women's Champions Trophy gets under way. For the side, the coming months represent a critical window to lock in the right combinations in the 50-over format.

Building Combinations with Limited Time

Harleen acknowledged that the squad is actively exploring different batting orders and tactical approaches, even as time ahead of the tournament remains tight. 'We've just collected a few thoughts, and we've just collected a few mix here and there, and we're looking for the combinations differently. So we've got very little time for the Champions Trophy, and obviously it's not the part I am looking at. We're just looking at the opportunities and all that stuff; rest will happen,' she said.

Notably, this approach mirrors India's build-up strategy ahead of the 2025 World Cup, where the management used bilateral series to test depth options before settling on a playing eleven.

Harleen on Her Personal Role

The batter was emphatic about keeping her own mindset simple, irrespective of where the team management deploys her in the batting order. 'My role is very simple in my head. I just have to do well; that's it. So no matter which position you're playing in and where you're playing, it doesn't matter. The only thing which matters is adapting the conditions well and doing well. That's it,' Harleen said.

T20I Sweep Provides Platform

India enter the ODI leg in strong form after a dominant 3-0 T20I series sweep against Zimbabwe. The hosts won the first T20I by four wickets, the second by nine wickets, and the third by a comprehensive 92 runs. Harleen noted that the T20I phase helped the team study their opponents closely. 'We've just had a look at the T20 series, so probably we're a little more familiar with the T20 side. So obviously we worked upon a few things on how to approach them, and the preparation has worked well for us because we saw the T20 series, and we're really looking forward to this,' she said.

What's Next for India Women

Zimbabwe will be keen to regroup after losing all three T20Is and will look to put up a sterner contest across the 50-over format. For India, the ODI series doubles as a dress rehearsal — every performance, combination trialled, and tactical decision made between now and February 2027 will feed directly into their preparations for what promises to be one of women's cricket's biggest stages. The first ODI gets under way in Vadodara on Friday.