The much-awaited Women’s T20 World Cup India squad was announced on Saturday, with the tournament set to begin on 12th June in England.
India will face Australia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, and the Netherlands in the group stage, with only two of those teams making it to the semis.
Jemimah Rodrigues reflected on the team’s preparation ahead of the major tournament. “Our preparation has been great. It didn’t just start after the squad was announced. Right from the first series we played against Sri Lanka after winning the 2025 World Cup, Amol sir told us in the huddle that this is where we start for the next World Cup. So, we’ve been preparing from day one,” said Rodrigues.
“It’s a big motivation. Since we’ve won once, now we want to make
it twice. We’re looking forward to it,” she added on the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Expectations from the Indian women’s team remain high after they created history by becoming the first Indian women’s side to ever win an ICC World Cup trophy, triumphing at the DY Patil Stadium last year.
Jemimah Rodrigues, who delivered an extraordinary performance in the semifinals before lifting the trophy, spoke about the team’s mindset.
“Usually after winning a World Cup, teams can get complacent, but this team is different. We’re even more hungry to win again and again. That’s the mindset and the motive.”
The squad for the international tournament will also feature new faces making their World Cup debut, including Bharti Fulmali and Nandni Sharma.
“Nandini has been fantastic for us throughout the WPL. Honestly, when we got her, we didn’t know what to expect. We knew she had talent, but she proved herself on the big stage not just in one match or after her five-wicket haul, but consistently in every game. I’m really looking forward to having her here, and I know this team will prepare her well. There’s a lot of experience in this squad, and that will bring the best out of her,” said Rodrigues.
Following India’s 1–4 loss in the recently concluded South Africa series, a setback ahead of the World Cup, Rodrigues remained optimistic. “It was a good learning experience. Sometimes failures teach you more than victories. Our team has taken it in the right spirit, working hard, preparing well, and we’ll come back stronger in the World Cup.”
The squad will miss all-rounder Amanjot Kaur, who has been ruled out due to injury.
Speaking on the sidelines of the IISM convocation ceremony, coach Amol Muzumdar said, “It’s very difficult to replace someone like Aman. She’s been consistently performing for India. We will definitely miss her. Injuries are part of the game; she’ll be out for four to five months. We hope she recovers well and returns stronger.”
Reflecting on the preparations behind the scenes following last year’s triumph, Muzumdar added, “Our camps have always been an integral part of preparation. We believe in preparing well for every challenge. This team is on the right track, and we hope to have a strong camp before we leave for the World Cup.”
