Mumbai: After securing India’s maiden Women’s ODI World Cup title last year, Jemimah Rodrigues says the squad is now determined to carry that momentum into the next big milestone—winning the 2026 T20 World Cup in England, scheduled for June and July. Speaking in Mumbai on Sunday, the star batter framed the upcoming tournament as the next step in a clear “win two” ambition.
Key takeaways
- Jemimah Rodrigues believes India’s motivation has only intensified after winning an ODI World Cup, with a target to add the 2026 T20 World Cup in England.
- The 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup is set to start on June 12 and conclude on July 5.
- Jemimah highlighted that preparations began well before the final squad announcement, including work after India’s 2025 World Cup.
- Head coach Amol Muzumdar said the team will miss all-rounder Amanjot Kaur due to a serious back injury that will keep her out for at least four to five months.
- Muzumdar pointed to India’s historic bilateral T20I success in England last July as a confidence boost heading into the tournament.
- India will hold a week-long camp from May 10 at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru ahead of the World Cup.
“Since we’ve won one, we want to win two”
Rodrigues said the ODI World Cup triumph has become a fresh source of energy rather than a reason for complacency. When asked about how the side is preparing for the tournament in England, she said the win has provided direct motivation for the next campaign.
She added that the preparation process did not begin only after the squad was named. According to Rodrigues, the groundwork started right after India’s 2025 World Cup, when the team’s first series came against Sri Lanka. She also recalled that, during that period, she had already told the group that it marked the start of the journey toward the next World Cup.
Rodrigues’ message was reinforced by the team’s recent mindset. After captain Harmanpreet Kaur said on Saturday that India were “hungry and ready” for the World Cup, Jemimah stated that the team is “even more hungry” to keep winning repeatedly. She noted that while World Cup-winning teams can sometimes lose focus, this group is approaching the challenge with sustained hunger and a consistent motive.
Injury blow and the England experience
Muzumdar acknowledged that the squad would have to plan without Amanjot Kaur, who has been sidelined with a serious back injury and is expected to require surgery. He said replacing a player who has been consistently performing for India would be difficult, but also stressed that injuries are part of the game and that the priority now is for Amanjot to recover properly and return stronger.
The coach also expressed confidence in India’s ability to handle the demands of the tournament. He pointed to India’s performance in England last year, when the side won a bilateral T20I series there for the first time ever in July. Muzumdar said that victory included a historic moment—India beating England in England in a T20 series—and that the experience and confidence gained from that tour will be valuable going into the World Cup. In his view, the key requirements ahead are to travel well and execute properly on the field.
Nandini Sharma’s emergence and lessons from South Africa
Rodrigues, who captained Nandini Sharma in the Women’s Premier League while leading the Delhi Capitals, said she was pleased to see the 24-year-old pacer from Chandigarh break into the Indian team for the first time in the 2026 T20 World Cup squad.
Jemimah described Nandini as “ready,” recalling her impact for the team across the WPL, including a return of 17 wickets in 10 matches and a hat-trick in WPL-4. Rodrigues added that while there was already belief in her talent, the real test was delivering on a bigger stage. She said Nandini’s performances stood out not just in one match or after a five-wicket haul, but with consistent contributions across games. Jemimah also emphasized that the squad has the experience to support a smooth transition for a new entrant, and she expects that environment to help Nandini get the best out of her strengths.
Muzumdar echoed the enthusiasm, saying the team is looking forward to welcoming Nandini into the World Cup squad.
Rodrigues further explained that the team’s experience in the South Africa tour earlier this month has been instructive. She referenced the 1-4 series defeat in the five-match T20I contest and said it taught India “a lot.” In her view, failures can bring a clearer understanding than winning everything, and the group is taking the setback in the right spirit—working hard and preparing well. She also insisted that the team will come back strong when the World Cup begins.
Camp plans from May 10
On Saturday, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia informed that the Indian women’s team will enter a week-long camp starting May 10 at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Muzumdar said such preparation has always been an integral part of the team’s approach, stressing that they prepare for every type of challenge ahead of them.
He expressed confidence that the squad is on the right track and said the team is hoping for a strong camp period before they depart for the tournament in England.
