Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana and Indian Cricket Team (Agency Image) As the Indian men’s team prepares to kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup T20 campaign, encouraging news has flowed in from the women in blue. After their historic triumph in the ICC ODI Women’s World Cup 2025, the members of the Indian women’s side have wished the men all the best as they look to defend their crown at the global event. India entered the tournament as the defending champions after lifting the 2024 FIFA T20 World Cup with a thrilling final victory over South Africa. The support from the women’s team underlined the strong sense of unity and shared purpose that runs through Indian cricket.
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Leading the news was women’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur who expressed full confidence in the men’s squad. “I wish the Indian team all the best for the T20 World Cup. Play with all your heart, enjoy it and we all know you will win this. Good luck,” she said. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana also shared her encouragement and at the same time acknowledged the expectations that come with defending the title. “We wish the Indian team the best, they are looking really good, we are all looking forward to the next cup. But no pressure and hopefully we will play some good cricket,” she stated. All-rounder Deepti Sharma, who was a key figure in India’s ODI World Cup success and won the Player of the Series award, emphasized the importance of the tournament being held at home. “With all the best it will happen in India and it will be very special. Go home for the cup,” she said. Adding her voice to the chorus of support, Richa Ghosh sent a simple message of encouragement ahead of the marquee event. “I wish you all the best in the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, good luck guys,” she said. The Indian women’s team created history by winning the ICC ODI Women’s World Cup in 2025 for the first time since the competition’s inception, again highlighting the collective spirit across Indian cricket. As the Men in Blue prepare to kick off their World Cup campaign against the USA on Saturday, the Women in Blue are preparing for their own international engagement. Their multi-format tour of Australia begins on February 15, starting with a three-match T20I series, followed by three ODIs and a one-off Test match.
