Fresh from winning their maiden Women’s ODI World Cup title in 2025, India’s women’s squad is refusing to rest on its laurels. Batter Jemimah Rodrigues says the group is “hungrier than ever,” with its sights set on lifting the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in England and extending a fast-growing legacy.
Speaking at an event in Mumbai on Sunday, Rodrigues stressed that winning a first major trophy has only sharpened the team’s appetite. “Winning one has only made us want to win two,” she said. She added that unlike previous cycles where teams sometimes lose edge after a World Cup, this side is determined to keep building momentum.
Quick facts
- India won their maiden Women’s ODI World Cup in 2025.
- Jemimah Rodrigues says the team is “hungrier than ever” for the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in England.
- The T20 World Cup is scheduled for June 12–July 5.
- India began focused preparation earlier than the squad announcement; Rodrigues cited a Dec series vs Sri Lanka in Vizag.
- A week-long camp is planned at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru from May 10.
- All-rounder Amanjot Kaur is ruled out with a serious back injury requiring surgery.
- India recently lost a T20I series in South Africa 4–1.
- Pacers Nandani Sharma has earned her maiden India call-up after a Women’s Premier League season where she took 17 wickets.
- Head coach Amol Muzumdar referenced a 2–1 T20I series win in England in July 2025.
Rodrigues, who was among the key contributors to India’s historic ODI triumph, revealed the team’s planning for the upcoming T20 showpiece began well before the official squad was named. She pointed to the first series after the World Cup—against Sri Lanka in Vizag in December—as the moment the next chapter was formally set in motion.
“The first series we played after the World Cup was against Sri Lanka in Vizag (in Dec), which we won 5-0,” Rodrigues said at the IISM Degree Distribution Ceremony. She added that during a team huddle, she told the group that the journey toward the next World Cup begins there, with head coach Amol Muzumdar in attendance.
Camp in Bengaluru and early planning
With the next assignment approaching, India will conduct a week-long preparation camp at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru starting May 10. Muzumdar underlined that groundwork is a constant feature of India’s approach, describing readiness for each challenge as central to their process.
“Preparation has always been integral to this team. We believe in getting ready for every challenge, and we are on the right track,” Muzumdar said. “We’ll look to have a productive camp before heading into the World Cup.”
The coach also confirmed that the squad will have to cope with the absence of all-rounder Amanjot Kaur. Kaur has been ruled out due to a serious back injury and will require surgery, a development Muzumdar acknowledged will be hard to absorb.
“It’s difficult to replace someone like Amanjot, who has been performing consistently. But injuries are part of the game. We hope she comes back stronger,” Muzumdar said.
South Africa lesson and a new call-up
Rodrigues looked back at India’s recent T20I outing in South Africa, where they were beaten 4–1 in the series. She framed the result as a valuable learning curve ahead of the World Cup, insisting the team is treating the setbacks constructively.
“Failures sometimes teach you more than winning everything. It has given us a reality check,” Rodrigues said. She added that the side is taking the experience in the right spirit—working hard and preparing properly—so it can return stronger.
On the selection front, Rodrigues expressed excitement about the inclusion of pacer Nandani Sharma. Sharma’s maiden India call-up came after a standout Women’s Premier League campaign in which she claimed 17 wickets, and Rodrigues believes she is ready for the step up in level.
“Nandani is ready. She was outstanding in the WPL and consistent in every game. When she came onto the big stage, she delivered every time. I’m really looking forward to having her in the team,” Rodrigues said.
Confidence from England conditions
Muzumdar also drew confidence from India’s recent success in English conditions. He pointed to a landmark 2–1 T20I series win in England in July 2025 as evidence that the team can perform strongly outside home conditions.
“The experience is there, the confidence is there. All we need to do now is travel well and play well,” Muzumdar said.
As India continues its build-up, the focus remains on tightening execution, absorbing lessons from the South Africa campaign, and moving into the 2026 T20 World Cup with a sharper edge—while aiming to translate that renewed hunger into another trophy for the record books.
