‘We have what it takes to lift the trophy’, says skipper Harmanpreet Kaur ahead of Women’s T2O World Cup 2024

New Delhi: With just over a week to head until the Women’s T20 World Cup worldwide the UAE, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur exuded self assurance in her team’s readiness, stating, “We have gotten what it takes to lift the trophy.” As India gears up for a not easy tournament, Kaur’s remarks underscore the team’s aspirations and resolution following a series of near misses in major finals.

Previously, India suffered a disappointing loss worldwide the 2020 T20 World Cup final against Australia and narrowly missed out on victory worldwide the 2017 ODI World Cup, falling just 9 runs short against England. The 2023 T20 World Cup semifinals resulted in a in the same fashion heartbreaking defeat to Australia, along with fueling the want to clinch the coveted title.

At the Commonwealth Games 2022, Australia once again edged past India, securing a narrow 9-run victory to assert the gold medal, despite a valiant batting effort from Kaur’s side, who needed to settle for silver.

Reflecting on their journey, Harmanpreet highlighted the team’s resilience, stating, “It truly is miles our team’s dream to win this coveted trophy, and I believe, as a team, we've got what it takes to lift the trophy. We made it to the 2020 Women’s T20 World Cup final in Australia and came on the purpose of reaching the ultimate worldwide the previous edition in South Africa in 2022. It makes it clear that the team has the pedigree and what it takes to shine on the largest stage,” Harmanpreet said worldwide the click conference scheduled beforehand of the departure.

The squad incorporates a mixture of experience and talent, with Smriti Mandhana serving as vice-captain. Wicket-keepers Richa Ghosh and Yastika Bhatia add depth, regardless that Bhatia’s fitness will likely be monitored closely. A key change sees Bhatia replacing Uma Chetry, who now serves as a reserve alongside Tanuja Kanwer and Saima Thakor.

Harman praised her bowlers, saying, “Pooja Vastrakar has been doing in fact well. Renuka is supporting us superbly, she is someone who's always giving us breakthroughs. And Arundhati Reddy is an all-rounder and he or she will provide the possibility so one can always come up and bowl and bat for the team. I am quite confident in my team. I know what they're doing and what they're ready to. We are feeling in fact and are positive about that.”

India’s campaign kicks off on October Four against New Zealand, followed by an eagerly awaited clash with arch-rivals Pakistan on October 6. After facing Sri Lanka again on October 9, they will conclude the group stage against Australia on October 13. All matches are set to take place in Dubai, where Kaur anticipates that dew will play a serious role worldwide the matches.

“We have gotten most of the games worldwide the night. So, dew will play a tremendous role. We have gotten good spinners and likewise Pooja (Vastrakar) and Renuka (Thakur) who have been doing in fact well. So, when dew is the factor, then this is able to well be extremely important see who's your best bowler and accordingly, we can go there and spot who's the correct for the team.”

Head coach Amol Muzumdar acknowledged the unexpected venue change from Bangladesh to the UAE, saying, “It came as a surprise to every considered one of us. We had specifically gone to Bangladesh worldwide the month of May and played five T20Is over there, simply to get used to the conditions. But things have changed and it has shifted to Dubai.

“I believe conditions may well be akin to what we've got over here in India but simply to start up with of the season, what my experience is worldwide the IPL (2020) – there may perchance be a little bit of bounce in initial matches but overhead conditions remain the same, just as India,” she said.