Harmanpreet Kaur Credits “Fearless Cricket” for India’s Recent Success Ahead of ODI World Cup
With the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup just 50 days away, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur believes a fearless mindset and strong preparation have been central to the team’s recent success. Speaking at an ICC event in Mumbai to mark the countdown to the tournament, Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana expressed confidence in India’s chances to lift their maiden ODI World Cup trophy.
India will open the tournament on September 30 against Sri Lanka at home, aiming to go one better than their runners-up finishes in 2005 and 2017. Having failed to reach the semi-finals in the previous edition in 2022, the team is determined to break that barrier in front of home fans.
“Playing in front of a home crowd is always special,” said Harmanpreet. “Hopefully this time, we will give our 100% and try to break that barrier which all Indian fans and we are waiting for.”
Momentum and Mindset
India have had an impressive ODI run in 2025, winning nine of their 11 matches. This includes a 3-0 sweep of Ireland, a tri-series win in Sri Lanka (featuring South Africa), and a 2-1 series win over England, the world’s second-ranked ODI team. The England ODI series victory followed a 3-2 T20I win, marking India’s first such success on English soil.
Harmanpreet attributed this consistent performance to the team’s new mindset. “To be honest, [our confidence] is very high,” she said. “It’s all about mindset and the fearless cricket we have been playing. The kind of preparation we’ve done gave us the belief that we could win in England. We’re keeping things simple and sticking to our routines.”
Mandhana echoed similar sentiments, pointing to off-field cohesion and work ethic as key factors. “The amount of training and effort we are putting in is finally showing results. Hopefully, this World Cup will be special for us,” she said.
“In the last one-and-a-half months in the UK, I just felt that everything — even off the field — was very right about the team. That environment really helps, especially for the youngsters.”
Mandhana in Peak Form
Smriti Mandhana has been in sensational form across 2024 and 2025. She scored 747 runs in 2024 at an average of 57.46, and has already notched up 628 runs this year at a similar average of 57.09. Her strike rate has risen from 95.15 in 2024 to 107.53 in 2025 — her highest yet. With 12 sixes this calendar year, she also leads the charts for the most sixes by an Indian in ODIs in 2025.
“I think more than mindset, my work ethic has changed a lot in the last 2-3 years,” Mandhana explained. “That has brought calmness in my approach. What happens on the field is secondary — our primary job is to keep working hard. The whole team is aligned with that direction now.”
Young Guns Stepping Up
The Indian squad has also seen new talent step up, with Mandhana highlighting young bowler Kranti Goud’s six-wicket haul in the third ODI against England. “To watch her go was just amazing,” said Mandhana. “It shows how the environment is helping youngsters express themselves.”
Tough Challenge Before the World Cup
Before the World Cup, India will host world No. 1 and defending champions Australia for a three-match ODI series. Harmanpreet sees the series as a crucial litmus test.
“Whenever we play against Australia, it’s always challenging,” she said. “Right before the World Cup, that series is going to give us a lot of clarity, and hopefully we’ll continue our momentum.”
While Australia remains a formidable force, Harmanpreet noted a shift in the global landscape of women’s cricket.
“Earlier, Australia were dominant, and it was almost certain they’d make the final. But now, every team has improved. You can’t predict the top four anymore — and that’s good for the game.”
India’s players, led by their experienced duo in Harmanpreet and Mandhana, appear more united and prepared than ever. With home advantage, strong form, and a fearless mindset, they will be one of the teams to watch when the World Cup gets underway next month.
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