Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of the Indian women's cricket team, has emphasised the squad's focus on building mental toughness to handle high-pressure moments ahead of the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup in the UAE. Despite India’s strong performances in recent years, including reaching the finals of the 2020 T20 World Cup and the 2022 Commonwealth Games, they have struggled to secure an ICC title, often faltering in crucial moments.
Discussing their mental preparedness, Harmanpreet explained, "We have been working on mental strength for a long time. The last 3-4 overs are the most crucial. T20 cricket is not a short format; you are essentially playing 40 overs." She highlighted how crucial it is to maintain composure in the final overs, a stage where India's performances have slipped in the past.
"In the last 4-5 overs, the team that stays mentally strong usually wins. We’ve been focusing on this area for some time. If we can stay mentally stable in those final overs, we’ll be able to execute our plans more effectively. We are working hard to overcome this hurdle and hope to do so in the tournament," Harmanpreet added.
She also spoke about the diverse backgrounds of the team members, which she believes creates a positive and enriching environment in the dressing room. "Our team is made up of players from different states, and it feels great to see such variety. You learn about their cultures, and that’s something you only experience in sports. It’s a beautiful feeling to share the dressing room with such humble and nice people," she said.
India’s campaign kicks off on October 4 against New Zealand, followed by a highly anticipated clash with rivals Pakistan on October 6.