Women’s ODI World Cup | ‘We have learned from our mistakes’, Harmanpreet optimistic of India’s chances

‌Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur was confident about India’s chances in the upcoming ICC Women’s ODI World Cup set to start in India and Sri Lanka from September 30. She also highlighted that the past experiences in knockout games in multi-nation tournaments will keep the side in good stead to go the distance.

The Women in Blue lost in the summit clash of the 2017 ODI World Cup and 2020 T20 World Cup against England and Australia, respectively, while exiting the T20 marquee event in the last four stage in 2018 and 2023. They also finished on the wrong side in the final of the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and the T20 Asia Cup last year.

"No doubt we have been through these situations many times," Harmanpreet said at the captains' meet in Bengaluru. "We have been playing good cricket, and it's only about going with good confidence and doing the things the way our team is expecting from us. At the same time, we have been only talking about enjoying this moment rather than thinking about what happened in the past. We have learned a lot from our mistakes, and hopefully, this time, we will be on the other side."

The Indian skipper recently completed 150 ODIs during the three-match home series against Australia earlier this month. She has led the side in 39 ODIs after taking over the reins from Mithali Raj post the 2022 World Cup. Harmanpreet will hope that she can lead the side to an ICC trophy at home when they start their campaign against Sri Lanka in Guwahati on September 30.

"Leading your country is always very special for any player, but leading your country in ODI World Cup is even more special," she said. "On top of that, it is a home World Cup, so it's even more special. When I started playing, I never even thought I would get the opportunity to lead my country… it was only in a dream. Everything altogether is exciting.

"I just want to go there and enjoy, and play my best cricket. That's what I've been telling myself and my team. The ODI World Cup is happening [in India] after 12 years, and I think it is going to be very amazing for all of us. It's all about not taking too much pressure."

The Mumbai Indians captain was also effusive in praise of her deputy Smriti Mandhana, who has been in stunning form in ODIs this year. The opener is the top run-getter in this format amassing 928 runs, including four hundreds and three fifties, in 14 matches at an impressive average of 66.28 and a strike rate of 115.85.

"She has been great," Harmanpreet said of Mandhana. "The way she is batting nowadays is something really exciting to watch. When I'm batting with her, things become quite easy on the pitch. You don't need to stress so much because she is always there to help. Having her in my team is a big strength."