‘Bring the cup home’: Gill, Gambhir, Iyer give India men’s team message to women in blue ahead of Pakistan clash

Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer and the Indian men’s team rally behind the women in blue ahead of the T20 World Cup. (Video frames) NEW DELHI: As India prepares for the much-anticipated opener of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 against arch-rivals Pakistan, the women’s team received a big boost as members of the men’s side sent heartfelt messages of support and encouragement ahead of the sensational encounter.Fresh off their historic Women’s ODI World Cup triumph last year, Harmanpreet Kaur and her team enter the tournament with expectations in millions, hoping to end their long wait for a maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title.Ahead of Sunday’s clash against Pakistan at Edgbaston, several stars from the men’s team came together in a special video shared by the BCCI to urge the women in blue to play fearlessly and bring home the trophy.

Rohit, Gambhir and Gill rallied for the Women in Blue

Former India captain Rohit Sharma praised the team’s consistency and backed them to finally go the distance in T20 cricket.“They have been playing really good cricket for the last few years. I know they have come very close to it in T20 cricket but I want them to go all the way this time. Everyone is rooting for them. They have a solid team, a very balanced team. And they will enjoy playing in England. All the best from all of us here in the Indian men’s team,” Rohit said.Head coach Gautam Gambhir gave an inspirational message and urged the players to embrace the occasion positively.“I am sure you will make 140 million Indians proud. Few people get the opportunity to represent the country on the world stage. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake. Every time you are in doubt, take a positive path. Good luck, bring the cup home,” Gambhir said.India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill also expressed confidence in the side’s ability to rewrite the script.“You’ve won it before and you’ll do it again. We wish you all the best and all the best for the World Cup,” Gill said.

‘Be fearless, be ruthless’

Newly appointed T20I captain Shreyas Iyer has urged the team to maintain an aggressive approach throughout the tournament.“Here’s wishing the Indian women’s cricket team all the best. Be fearless, be ruthless and play to win,” he said.Wicketkeeper-palter Ishan Kishan urged the players to keep things simple and trust the methods that have brought them success.“You all played amazing cricket. Keep it simple and believe in what you have done all year. We are all very proud of you and hope to win this trophy,” Kishan added.India begin their campaign against Pakistan in Birmingham on Sunday, with Harmanpreet’s side aiming to make a strong start in the expanded 12-team competition.