Less than a year after ending one of the longest waits in Indian cricket, the Women's team is preparing for its next challenge with a newfound belief.
India head into the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 not as hopeful contenders chasing history, but as reigning world champions who have already proven they can deliver on the biggest stage.
That confidence was evident in Jemimah Rodrigues' assessment of India's chances ahead of the tournament, with the batter insisting that the experience of winning the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in 2025 has fundamentally changed the team's mindset.
Speaking on JioStar's Champions Huddle, Rodrigues said crossing the final hurdle once has removed the mental barrier that often accompanies major ICC tournaments.
"Everyone
was a part of it; they know what pressure feels like and, at the same time, everyone knows that we've crossed the line once and can do it again," Rodrigues said.
"That belief rubs off. Many times, we visualise success so much, but now we've actually lived it. That helps us believe even more that we can do it again. "
For years, India were regularly viewed as one of the strongest teams in women's cricket but often fell agonisingly short in global events. The World Cup triumph in 2025 finally changed that narrative, turning a talented squad into proven champions.
Now, Rodrigues believes that experience could become one of India's greatest strengths.
Harmanpreet wants trophy-winning habit to continue
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur admitted that life within the dressing room has changed since lifting the country's first senior women's ICC trophy.
Speaking on JioStar's Champions Huddle, Harmanpreet said the team is no longer satisfied with winning just one major title.
"Life has completely changed after winning our first ODI World Cup," Harmanpreet said.
"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. "
The skipper's comments reflect a growing ambition within the squad. Rather than treating the World Cup triumph as the culmination of a journey, India are determined to make it the beginning of a sustained era of success.
Winning has become a habit
Head coach Amol Muzumdar believes that mentality has been built over several years.
According to the coach, India's World Cup success was the product of a deliberate effort to create a culture where every series mattered, regardless of the opposition.
"Winning is a habit," Muzumdar said.
"Over the last three years, we've tried to win every series and to treat each one as extremely important, regardless of who we're playing against. Once you get into the habit of winning series, it becomes second nature. "
The coach also praised the commitment shown by the squad during preparations for the tournament.
"I've never seen a team, irrespective of gender, work so hard and be so dedicated towards one goal. "
Blending experience with youth
While much of the World Cup-winning core remains intact, India will also travel with several younger players eager to make their mark on the international stage.
Muzumdar believes the senior players will play a crucial role in helping the newcomers adapt to the pressure of a global tournament.
"It's about bringing the youngsters together," he said.
"There's only one message: go out there, give your best, and try to win games for India. "
Rodrigues echoed that sentiment, suggesting that the winning mentality developed by the senior group could naturally spread throughout the squad.
"It's great to have so many members from the 2025 World Cup squad in this team, along with a few more youngsters coming in," she said.
"I think the energy will rub off on them. Everyone is going to share their experiences. "
Favourites with a target on their backs
India's rise to the summit of women's cricket means they will no longer arrive at tournaments as outsiders.
Instead, they will carry the expectations that come with being world champions.
Rodrigues, however, is embracing that challenge.
"When you win one, you don't want to stop there. You want to make it two, three, however many you can," she said.
"Our fans make us feel at home wherever we go. So, yes, we are the favourites, no doubt about that. "
With the ICC Women's T20 World Cup set to begin on June 12, India now have an opportunity to transform a breakthrough triumph into the start of a dynasty.
The wait for the first trophy is over. The challenge now is proving it was only the beginning.
