Jemimah Rodrigues (Image credit: X) MUMBAI: After their maiden triumph in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, the Indian team is far from complacent. Batter Jemimah Rodrigues says the side is “hungrier than ever” to add the Women’s T20 World Cup in England in 2026 to its growing legacy.“One win only made us win two,” Rodrigues said at an event here on Sunday. “Usually teams can get complacent after the World Cup. But this team is different. We are hungrier to win again.”The 25-year-old, one of the key contributors to India’s historic ODI World Cup victory, revealed that preparations for the upcoming T20 showpiece (June 12-July 5) began much before the team announcement on Saturday. She said a shift in focus.“The first series we played after the World Cup was against Sri Lanka in Vizag (in December), which we won 5-0. That’s when I told the team in a huddle that this is where our journey to the next World Cup begins,” Rodrigues said at the IISM Degree Distribution Ceremony attended by head coach Amol Muzumdar.India will fine-tune their preparations with a week-long camp at BCCI’s Center of Excellence in Bengaluru from May 10. “Preparation has always been an integral part of this team. We believe in preparing for every challenge and we are on the right track,” said Muzumdar. “We will look at a productive camp before the start of the World Cup.”However, the team will miss the services of all-rounder Amanjot Kaur, who has been ruled out by a serious back injury requiring surgery. Muzumdar admitted that her absence will be felt. “It is difficult to replace someone like Amanjot who has performed consistently. But injuries are part of the game. We hope he comes back stronger,” he said.Rodrigues also commented on India’s recent 4-1 defeat in the T20I series in South Africa, calling it a learning curve ahead of the World Cup. “Sometimes failures teach you more than winning everything. It gave us a grip on reality. The team is taking it in the right spirit, working hard and preparing well. We will come back stronger,” she said.Rodrigues expressed her excitement at the inclusion of pacer Nandani Sharma, who earned her first India call-up after a stellar season in the Women’s Premier League where she took 17 wickets. “Nandani is ready. She was outstanding in the WPL and consistent in every game. When she came to the big stage, she delivered every time. I am really looking forward to having her in the team,” said Rodrigues.Muzumdar, meanwhile, drew confidence from India’s recent success in English conditions. The team registered a significant 2-1 T20I series win in England in July 2025.“The experience is there, the confidence is there. All we have to do now is travel well and play well,” Muzumdar said.
