Smriti Mandhana keeps India’s T20 World Cup preparations under wraps

India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana on Tuesday kept the details of the women’s team’s preparations for the T20 World Cup under wraps, saying only that the squad is in good shape ahead of the 12-team tournament in England and Wales next month.

India will begin their campaign against Pakistan on June 14, two days after the tournament begins on June 12. 15 member teamwho recently trained at the Center of Excellence in Bengaluru, will leave for England on May 22 for a three-match T20I series against the hosts.

Mandhana said the team was not interested in revealing too much about its preparations so close to the World Cup. “The camp went well and I’d like to keep it that way. I don’t like to say any specifics about what we’ve been working on because we’re heading to the World Cup,” she said at a press conference organized by women’s care brand Pee Safe.

However, she made it clear that the platoon put in the hard yards. “All the girls look in good shape, they’ve been training really well and it’s been a lot of hard work,” she said. “We are preparing for the World Cup and before that we will go for a series. Preparations have gone well and I hope we will continue to work hard, make India proud and bring the cup back home.”

Mandhana also interacted with school children during the event and said that such engagements matter because young people should know that sports can offer a career path. “The questions they ask at that age, I wouldn’t know what they’re asking. They really want to know what we’re going through, which is extremely nice,” she said.

She added that the message she tries to convey to children is simple: cricket and sports can become a profession, but the process should be enjoyed. “It’s very important for me to give them a message, firstly, that sport and cricket have a career and you can actually make it a career. Another important thing for me that I try and say is to enjoy the process and what they’re doing. I really want all the kids to enjoy themselves and follow their passion,” she added.

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

May 19, 2026 1:45 PM IST