Harmanpreet Kaur Embraces Busy Schedule Ahead of T20 World Cup
Indian Skipper Optimistic About Upcoming Matches
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], April 11: Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed her enthusiasm regarding the team's packed schedule leading up to the T20 World Cup, emphasizing that it will foster 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 on Saturday. After completing an extensive tour in Australia from February to March, India is set to visit South Africa for five T20 matches starting April 17, followed by a three-match T20 series in England beginning May 28. The T20 World Cup campaign will kick off for Team India against their long-time rivals, Pakistan, in Birmingham on June 14.
India finds itself in a challenging Group A alongside Pakistan, Australia, South Africa, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands.
Discussing the team's busy schedule, Harmanpreet stated, “We are eager to play continuously. It’s encouraging to see our calendar filled with matches. Consistent play will aid our growth as cricketers and enhance our skills.”
She added, “I am genuinely pleased with this hectic schedule and hope we continue to receive more matches in the future.”
Reflecting on their World Cup victory, which marked their first in both ODI and T20I formats, she described it as the “most significant achievement of our lives.”
“We all aimed to unite and perform exceptionally for our nation. Winning the World Cup is an incredible feeling, and I hope we can replicate such moments in the future,” she remarked.
The Indian captain noted that their World Cup success has led to increased recognition. “When you achieve something remarkable, many people come forward to commend you. We have felt that appreciation, and it’s wonderful to see more awareness around women’s cricket. Fans are eager to watch women play on television, and we aim to keep excelling on the field,” she continued.
Praising the efforts of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) in promoting women's cricket, she stated, “Both ICC and BCCI have significantly prioritized not just the IPL but also the WPL. The viewership for the WPL has surged, and matches are now broadcasted on TV. We encourage people to tune in.”
“This can only be sustained through consistent performance. Our duty is to keep improving and delivering our best on the field,” she concluded.
At the event, PUMA ambassador Sindhu participated in a mixed relay format, completing eight 1 km runs paired with eight functional workout stations, including sled pushes and rowing, in a fitness race that tested endurance and strength.
The Bengaluru edition of the fitness race attracted over 8,200 participants across various categories, highlighting the strong community engagement and rising interest in HYROX as a competitive format.
HYROX made its debut in India in 2025, with events held in Mumbai and Delhi, drawing more than 7,000 participants.