Harmanpreet Kaur-led India will start their campaign in the 2026 T20 World Cup with a high-profile clash against arch-rivals Pakistan at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
Ahead of the much-awaited match, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a video in which several members of India’s senior men’s team sent their best wishes to the Women in Blue.
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Rohit Sharma for Team India
Former captain Rohit Sharma backed the team to go one step further this time.
“They have been playing really good cricket for the last few years now. I know in T20 cricket, they have come pretty close. This time around, I want them to go all the way."
Head coach Gautam Gambhir expressed confidence in the side and said,
“I’m sure you are going to make 140 Crore Indians proud. Not many get the opportunity to represent the country on the world stage."
India’s ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill also shared a message of encouragement.
“You guys have done it before, and you’ll do it again."
T20I captain Shreyas Iyer urged the players to be positive and fearless in their approach.
“Be fearless, ruthless, and just play to win."
India's T20 World Cup record vs Pakistan
India will enter the contest as favourites, having enjoyed a strong record against Pakistan in women's T20 internationals. The team is aiming to add a T20 World Cup title to the ODI World Cup crown they won last year and has historically had the upper hand against their rivals.
However, India’s recent form has been a mix of highs and lows. The team registered impressive series victories against Australia, England and Sri Lanka, but defeats against South Africa and England highlighted a few concerns, particularly at the top of the batting order. Much will depend on experienced openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, who will be looking to rediscover their best form.