Harmanpreet Kaur Declares India Favorites As Women's Team Leaves For T20 World Cup In England (WATCH)

The Indian women's cricket team, captained by Harmanpreet Kaur, officially departed from Mumbai on Saturday for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026. The departure drew large crowds of supporters, reflecting the growing anticipation around the squad's campaign.

Before leaving, Harmanpreet Kaur expressed strong belief in her team's ability, calling India one of the tournament favorites. She emphasized that success in the shortest format depends on handling pressure moments and executing plans with composure.

#WATCH | Maharashtra: India Women's Cricket Team leaves from Mumbai for ICC Women's T20 World Cup, 2026. The World Cup is being hosted across seven venues in England from 12th June to 5th July 2026. twitter/FgeRrNBrrX

- ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2026

Group Stage Challenges Await

India's path to glory will be tested early, with group stage matches against South Africa, Australia, and Pakistan. These fixtures are expected to be decisive in determining India's progress. The schedule begins with Pakistan at Edgbaston on June 14, followed by Netherlands, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Australia in subsequent matches across England.

The squad includes key players such as Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and Renuka Singh. Mandhana's batting form and Renuka's pace attack are seen as crucial in adapting to English conditions.

To prepare, India will play a three‐match T20I series against England starting May 28. This series is expected to help finalize combinations and sharpen strategies ahead of the World Cup.

MENAFN23052026007385015968ID1111158435