Harmanpreet Kaur Embraces Busy Schedule Ahead of T20 World Cup

Indian Skipper's Optimism for Team Growth

Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of the Indian women's cricket team, expressed her enthusiasm regarding the team's packed schedule leading up to the T20 World Cup. She believes that this busy calendar will significantly contribute to their development as cricketers.

Following their historic victory in the 50-over World Cup last year, she is hopeful that the Women in Blue will have more memorable experiences. Harmanpreet shared her thoughts during a fitness event organized by PUMA and HYROX in Bengaluru.

Upcoming Matches and World Cup Preparations

India's cricketing journey continues with a tour to South Africa for five T20 matches starting April 17, followed by a three-match T20 series in England from May 28. The T20 World Cup campaign will kick off on June 14 against their long-standing rivals, Pakistan, in Birmingham. The team is placed in a competitive Group A alongside Pakistan, Australia, South Africa, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands.

Regarding the schedule, Harmanpreet stated, "We just want to keep playing all the time. It is good to see that our schedule is quite busy. We need to keep playing cricket back to back, as it will help us grow and enhance our skills."

Reflections on World Cup Victory

Reflecting on their World Cup triumph, which marked their first win in both ODI and T20I formats, she described it as the "biggest achievement in our lives."

"We all aimed to unite and perform exceptionally for our country. Winning the World Cup is an incredible feeling, and we hope to create many more such moments in the future," she added.

Harmanpreet noted that their victory has led to increased recognition for women's cricket. "When you achieve something significant, appreciation follows. We have felt this recognition, and it’s gratifying to see more people interested in women's cricket and wanting to watch us play on television."

Acknowledging BCCI and ICC's Support

She commended the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) for their initiatives to promote women's cricket. Harmanpreet remarked, "Both organizations have prioritized not just the IPL but also the WPL, leading to a substantial rise in viewership. Matches are now being broadcasted on TV, and we encourage everyone to tune in."

"Our responsibility is to keep performing well to attract more attention to the game. We must continue to improve and give our best on the field," she concluded.

PUMA and HYROX Fitness Event Highlights

At the fitness event, PUMA ambassador Sindhu participated in a mixed relay format, which included eight 1 km runs paired with eight functional workout stations, such as sled pushes and rowing. This fitness race tested participants' endurance, energy, and strength.

The Bengaluru edition of the event saw over 8,200 participants, showcasing a strong community turnout and growing interest in HYROX as a competitive format. HYROX made its debut in India in 2025, with events held in Mumbai and Delhi, attracting more than 7,000 participants.