Don’t let expectations distract from process: Harmanpreet Kaur reveals India’s mantra for Women’s T20 World Cup

Fresh off their 2025 ODI World Cup triumph, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur emphasizes focusing on process over outside pressure as India aims to capture their maiden Women's T20 World Cup title in England, starting June 14 against Pakistan

New Delhi: India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has a knack for keeping things simple, even as the noise around the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup starts to take center stage. The chatter about India being in the ‘group of death’, batting frailties**,** or the scars of the group-stage exit in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup fades quickly when she speaks with the utmost clarity.

Hardened by previous setbacks at global events, India finally broke their trophy drought with the ODI World Cup won at home in 2025. Now, India seeks to clinch their first Women’s T20 World Cup title in England and Wales. Expectations from all quarters are high as Harmanpreet & Co. take the field on June 14 against Pakistan in Birmingham.

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But Harmanpreet insists that one thing has still not changed—not letting expectations distract one from the usual process to achieve glory. “With success naturally comes more expectations, but I see that as a positive sign for women’s cricket. It shows that people are emotionally invested in the team and are following our journey closely.

“Personally, I try not to think too much about outside pressure. My focus remains on preparation, contributing to the team, and staying present in the moment. Over the years, I have realized that expectations will always exist at this level, and the key is to not let them distract you from your process. It is also very encouraging to see more fans engaging with women’s cricket now. Growing support motivates all of us to keep improving and performing consistently,” said Harmanpreet in an exclusive conversation with IANS ahead of the T20 World Cup, facilitated by CREX.

Even though India suffered series losses in South Africa in the run-up to the 12-team mega-event, the extensive hard work done at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru was, by Harmanpreet’s account, as thorough a preparation as she has been part of—not just in terms of skill work, but also in terms of role clarity and mental readiness.

“The preparatory camp at the Centre of Excellence was very structured and focused on multiple aspects of readiness for the T20 World Cup. Along with skill-based training, there was a strong emphasis on fitness, match simulations, game awareness, and handling pressure situations. We also worked a lot on role clarity within the team, which is extremely important in T20 cricket because situations change very quickly. The support staff ensured that preparation was not just physical, but also mental and tactical,” she added.

Apart from keeping an eye on ensuring the 2026 T20 World Cup campaign tells a different story for India as compared to earlier years, onlookers will be keen to cast a view on Harmanpreet’s own batting. In South Africa earlier this year, she showed a willingness to attack earlier in the innings while hitting a fluent 66 in Johannesburg. A more aggressive version of Harmanpreet has been shaped by a sharper intent that head coach Amol Muzumdar later highlighted. It’s also evident from the numbers too—in T20Is this year, Harmanpreet has scored at a strike rate of 132.3, her best in any calendar year by a distance.

Asked about her recent surge in aggression with the bat in the shortest format, Harmanpreet traces it to one word – process. “Modern T20 cricket is constantly evolving, and as players, we also need to evolve with the demands of the game. The idea behind becoming more aggressive was not about changing my natural game completely, but about being more proactive and taking calculated risks earlier when the situation allows.

“A lot of discussions with the coaches, including Amol sir, helped in identifying areas where I could put more pressure on bowlers and improve scoring options. We worked specifically on intent, shot selection, and adapting quicker to match situations. Implementing it was more about mindset and clarity. Once you trust your preparation and decision-making, you can play with more freedom and confidence,” she added.

Aside from batting and hitting deliveries from the get-go, Harmanpreet’s love for fielding still remains high, for it is treated not as a secondary skill, but as part of the same commitment she brings to batting and captaincy. Cast your mind back to November 2, 2025**,** at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, when South Africa’s Nadine de Klerk backed away to carve an inside-out shot against a low full toss outside off stump from Deepti Sharma.

But Nadine only managed to slice the ball high towards extra cover, where Harmanpreet turned swiftly, ran back and tracked the ball over her shoulder before completing a clean catch to confirm India’s long-awaited ODI World Cup victory. “Absolutely—fielding is something I genuinely enjoy because it allows you to stay constantly involved in the game and contribute to the team in different ways.

“A good catch, a sharp run-out, or saving crucial runs can change the momentum of a match just as much as an important innings. I have always believed that energy on the field reflects the attitude of the team. Diving, chasing balls, and putting in that extra effort also motivates teammates and lifts the overall intensity on the field.”

Quizzed on whether she enjoys the thrill of taking a good catch or the satisfaction of a dive leading to a sharp run-out, Harmanpreet believes both have a unique impact. “There is a special thrill in taking a difficult catch, but at the same time, putting in a dive to stop a boundary or contributing to a run-out can be equally satisfying because it helps the team in an important moment. What I enjoy most about fielding is the energy and involvement it brings. You are constantly alert, reading the game, and looking for opportunities to make a difference.”

The same logic runs through how Harmanpreet thinks about something beyond her own performance: the visibility of women’s cricket itself and the digital chatter among fans, which is visible through her partnership with CREX and its unique ‘Social’ feature.

“Today, audiences want instant updates, live engagement, statistics, and match conversations in one place. For women’s cricket, consistent visibility is extremely important. The more regularly fans can follow matches, player performances, and tournament moments, the stronger the connection with the sport becomes. Fan conversations create a sense of community around the sport. When people actively discuss matches in real time, it increases emotional investment and helps normalize the sport within mainstream cricket culture,” she added.

India arrives at the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup with both opportunity and unanswered questions. The batting order still has a few gaps, the finishing role remains unsettled, and a group containing Australia, South Africa, Bangladesh, Pakistan**,** and the Netherlands will punish even the slightest hesitation.

Harmanpreet has faced harder situations with less certainty and found her way through all of it. Whether that same quiet conviction of staying in the present, not letting lofty expectations swallow the team, and trusting the process above all else carries India to the one white-ball trophy that still eludes them, only these next few weeks will tell. A thrilling English summer awaits Harmanpreet**,** and she looks ready to face it head‑on.