JuicyTalk
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur has downplayed the pressure narrative surrounding the highly anticipated clash with Pakistan in the upcoming ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. With the tournament being staged in India after 12 years, starting October 30 against Sri Lanka in Guwahati, the skipper underlined that the team’s preparations are centered solely on cricket rather than external noise.
Harmanpreet Kaur opens up on India-Pakistan row during Women’s World Cup 2025
Ahead of what promises to be one of the biggest spectacles in women’s cricket, Harmanpreet stressed that her side is determined to enjoy the opportunity instead of succumbing to expectations. Speaking at the ICC pre-tournament captains’ media session, she recalled her journey from dreaming about representing India to now leading the national side in a World Cup. “To lead India in a World Cup at home is something I could not have imagined when I started playing. For us it is about enjoying each day rather than feeling the pressure,” she said.
The India-Pakistan contest on October 5 in Colombo is being billed as a marquee battle by fans and pundits. However, Harmanpreet was equally clear on her squad’s approach. “We don’t even discuss those things in the dressing room. We are only here to play cricket and our focus is only on cricket,” she stated firmly. By keeping the focus inward, Harmanpreet intends to guard her team from external distractions and media-driven rivalries that often dominate discussions ahead of the two nations’ clashes.
The Women’s ODI World Cup returning to India after 2013 adds a historic dimension to this year’s competition. Harmanpreet acknowledged the uniqueness of the occasion, noting the excitement among her players to perform in familiar venues in front of home crowds. Yet she reiterated that their concentration remains on hitting the right rhythm when the tournament begins.
Global captains weigh in on India’s chances
While India prepare to chase their maiden Women’s ODI World Cup title, rival captains admitted that playing in home conditions could be a defining factor in the side’s campaign. Australia captain Alyssa Healy, leading a squad that has already lifted the trophy seven times, did not hold back in acknowledging India’s quality. “I think India in their home conditions are going to be really, really tough to beat,” Healy observed.
New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine echoed similar sentiments but emphasized her own team’s confidence following recent progress at the international level. She suggested that the Black Caps’ younger players have gained valuable belief from experience, something they will carry into the tournament. England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt, meanwhile, highlighted her strategy of compartmentalizing different aspects of the game to handle the weight of expectations amid her dual role as leader and batter.
Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, who will lead her side against India in the tournament opener, embraced her team’s position as outsiders. Admitting that India’s home advantage tilts the scales, she insisted that the underdog label allows her side to approach the contest with freedom.
The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, beginning October 30, is shaping up to be a milestone event for the women’s game, with India’s homecoming adding a special flavour. Harmanpreet has made it clear that her side’s focus will remain steady on cricketing execution over rivalry narratives—a message that sets the tone for the host nation’s pursuit of World Cup glory.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
