India women's cricket team vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has declared that the team is 'hungry' and determined to clinch the ICC T20 World Cup title in 2026, which will be hosted by England. Speaking exclusively to India TV, the left-handed opener emphasized the squad's collective desire to go all the way and bring home the trophy after falling short in previous editions.
Learning from Past Near-Misses
Mandhana reflected on India's journey in recent T20 World Cups, including the runner-up finish in 2020 and the semifinal exits in 2018 and 2023. 'We have come close, but we haven't crossed the line. That hunger is still there, and it's growing stronger with each tournament,' she said. The 29-year-old stressed that the team is using those experiences as motivation rather than disappointment.
Preparation and Strategy
The Indian vice-captain outlined the team's focus on building a robust squad with depth in both batting and bowling. 'We are working on our fitness, fielding, and mental toughness. The conditions in England will be challenging, but we have a balanced side that can adapt,' Mandhana added. She also highlighted the importance of domestic tournaments like the Women's Premier League (WPL) in grooming young talent.
Key Players and Roles
Mandhana praised the leadership of captain Harmanpreet Kaur and the contributions of senior players like Deepti Sharma and Jemimah Rodrigues. 'Everyone has a role to play, and we are backing each other. The team culture is very positive,' she noted. The opening batter also expressed confidence in the young pace attack, including Renuka Singh and Pooja Vastrakar.
Schedule and Expectations
The T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place in England, with matches likely across venues like Lord's, The Oval, and Edgbaston. India will aim to improve their record against powerhouses like Australia and England. Mandhana concluded, 'We are not just participating; we are going there to win. The preparation has already begun.'
