India’s women’s cricket captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, has emphasized the importance of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in India’s preparations for the upcoming home ODI World Cup. The tournament, set to be held in India, will be a major event for the Indian women’s team, and Harmanpreet believes that the WPL will provide crucial opportunities for players to refine their skills, enhance their fitness, and gain match practice ahead of the World Cup.
WPL’s Role in Preparation
The WPL, set to take place from February 14 to March 15, will feature five teams playing a total of 20 league matches and two knockout games across four Indian cities. Harmanpreet highlighted that the T20 league will offer a valuable window for players to improve their game, especially since there will be a three-month gap following the WPL before India’s next international commitments.
After the conclusion of the WPL, India will have series against England, followed by home ODIs against Australia in September, all leading up to the World Cup in October. This period, according to Harmanpreet, will be crucial for players to fine-tune their fitness levels and elevate their performance.
“This WPL is going to play a very big role because we have the ODI World Cup this year,” Harmanpreet said during a press conference in Mumbai. “After the WPL, we have a great window to work on our fitness and elevate our game, which will be crucial for us.”
Injuries and Fitness Focus
The Indian team faced some injury setbacks in recent times, with players like Pooja Vastrakar, Yastika Bhatia, and Renuka Singh dealing with fitness issues. Harmanpreet also missed some matches due to workload management. However, she expressed confidence that the WPL will give players, including those returning from injuries, the opportunity to regain match fitness.
“As cricketers, we love a packed schedule, though injuries are part of the game and sometimes beyond our control,” Harmanpreet added. “It’s great to see how much cricket we are playing, and I’m enjoying leading this team. Our young players have stepped up, and this year will be exciting with the home World Cup on the horizon.”
Looking Ahead
India’s failure to reach the semi-finals in the 2022 ODI World Cup under former captain Mithali Raj remains a key motivation. Harmanpreet’s leadership has rejuvenated the team, and with the home World Cup on the horizon, the WPL offers the perfect opportunity for players to build momentum. With a blend of youth and experience in the team, and the additional benefits of match practice and fitness from the WPL, Harmanpreet believes India can make a significant impact at the 2026 ODI World Cup.
The WPL is set to be a crucial stepping stone for India’s preparation, as the team looks to put up a strong challenge on home soil. The tournament will be a key focus, not only for the players, but also for Indian cricket fans eager to see their team shine in front of home crowds.