Indian women’s cricket is entering another defining chapter as captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana rally the team with a shared mission — to “break the barrier” and lift their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup trophy. With the tournament approaching, both stalwarts are brimming with belief, determination, and a hunger to etch India’s name in cricketing history.
A Journey Fueled by Near Misses
Over the past decade, the Indian women’s cricket team has made remarkable progress, consistently challenging the world’s best. They came agonizingly close to glory in the 2017 World Cup, finishing as runners-up, and again in the 2020 T20 World Cup final, where they lost to a dominant Australian side. These heartbreaks have only strengthened the resolve of senior players like Harmanpreet and Mandhana.
“We have been there before — the finals, the big stage, the pressure. This time, we want to cross that line,” Harmanpreet said in a recent interview. “It’s not just about playing good cricket; it’s about breaking that barrier that has stood between us and the trophy.”
The ‘Break the Barrier’ Mantra
The phrase “break the barrier” has now become something of a rallying cry within the Indian camp. Mandhana believes this mindset shift is critical.
“We know we have the talent and the skills. What we need now is to convert opportunities into results when it matters most. Breaking the barrier means believing that we can defeat any team, in any condition,” she explained.
This attitude is not just about overcoming opposition but also about conquering the mental challenges that have, in the past, surfaced in high-pressure matches.
The Experience Factor
Both Harmanpreet and Mandhana bring a wealth of experience to the table. Harmanpreet’s match-winning 171* against Australia in the 2017 semi-final remains one of the greatest innings in World Cup history. Mandhana, meanwhile, has been India’s most consistent batter across formats in recent years.
Their leadership on and off the field is seen as crucial in guiding a young but talented squad. With rising stars like Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh, and Renuka Singh in the mix, India boasts a balanced blend of experience and youth.
Strengths Heading into the Tournament
India’s batting unit, anchored by Mandhana and Harmanpreet, has the capability to post or chase down daunting totals. The return to form of Jemimah Rodrigues and the explosive style of Shafali Verma provide multiple match-winning options.
On the bowling front, Renuka Singh’s swing, Pooja Vastrakar’s all-round skills, and the spin duo of Deepti Sharma and Rajeshwari Gayakwad give the team a versatile attack suited to different conditions.
Fitness and fielding — once considered weaknesses — have also improved significantly under the guidance of the support staff, ensuring India can compete athletically with top-tier teams like Australia and England.
Learning from Past Campaigns
India’s previous campaigns have often been marked by bright performances in the early stages, followed by one off-day in the knockouts that proved costly. Harmanpreet believes that this time, mental resilience will be the deciding factor.
“It’s about staying in the moment, not thinking too far ahead. We can’t control the past, but we can control how we react in crunch moments now,” she said.
Mandhana echoed this sentiment, adding that preparation has been focused not only on skills but also on decision-making under pressure.
Global Competition Will Be Fierce
The upcoming Women’s World Cup will see defending champions Australia aiming to continue their dominance, while England and South Africa have also emerged as serious contenders. New Zealand, the hosts, will be banking on home advantage.
For India to “break the barrier,” they will likely have to overcome at least two of these cricketing heavyweights in the knockout stages — a challenge the team is preparing for with meticulous planning and scenario-based training.
Support from the Nation
With women’s cricket gaining unprecedented attention in India — thanks in part to the Women’s Premier League (WPL) — the team knows they will have millions of fans rallying behind them.
“The support we get is incredible, and it motivates us to give our best every single time we wear the India jersey,” Mandhana said. “We want to win this not just for ourselves but for every fan who has dreamed of seeing India lift the Women’s World Cup.”
The Road Ahead
India’s preparation phase includes a series of warm-up matches to fine-tune combinations and strategies. The coaching staff is focusing on adaptability, ensuring players are ready for different pitches, climates, and match situations.
The message from the leadership group is clear: trust the process, stick to plans, and when the big moments come, seize them without hesitation.
A Golden Opportunity
For Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, this World Cup represents more than just another tournament — it’s a chance to fulfill a dream that has been years in the making. If India can truly break the barrier, it will be a defining moment not just for women’s cricket but for Indian sport as a whole.
The countdown has begun. The stage is set. Now, it’s up to the Indian women’s team to turn belief into history.
