'Break the Barrier': Harmanpreet and Mandhana Aim for India’s First World Cup Glory

India's senior players, Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, are motivating the team to do what has defied them for decades: winning their first World Cup on home soil, as the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 gets underway on September 30.

"Playing in front of a home crowd, that is always special, and hopefully, this time we will give our 100% and try to break that barrier that all Indian fans and we are waiting for," Harmanpreet said at the trophy showing event in Mumbai, capturing the goals of the country.

India has historically finished second in 2005 and 2017, the latter year seeing a breakthrough performance from Harmanpreet herself but ending tragically under Mithali Raj's leadership.

Momentum & Recent Form

With nine victories in 11 ODI matches, including a victory in a tri-series in Sri Lanka, and a difficult 2-1 series victory in England, India comes into the competition with confidence and a strong base for the World Cup campaign.

Mandhana’s Grounded Mindset

Although her confidence, Smriti Mandhana maintains her composure. She stressed the value of remaining in the moment and focused during a recent media appearance, saying, "I don't want to think too far ahead regarding the tournament outcomes."