“We Want to Break That Barrier”: Harmanpreet Kaur Eyes Historic ICC Title Win

India’s wait for a women’s ICC trophy has been long and emotional. Despite coming close on multiple occasions, including a memorable runner-up finish at the 2017 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, silverware has remained elusive. Now, with the upcoming 2025 ODI Women’s World Cup fast approaching, captain Harmanpreet Kaur says the team is ready to change that narrative.

DETERMINED TO MAKE HISTORY

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony of the Women’s World Cup trophy, Harmanpreet emphasized her desire to lead India to their first global title.

> “We want to break that barrier which all Indians are waiting for,” she said. “World Cups are always special, and I want to do something special for my country. Every time I see Yuvi bhaiya (Yuvraj Singh), I get inspired.”

The event featured several stalwarts of Indian cricket, including former captain Mithali Raj, World Cup-winner Yuvraj Singh, and current stars Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues.

AUSTRALIA SERIES: A KEY TEST AHEAD OF THE WORLD CUP

Before the World Cup begins on September 30, India will face Australia in a three-match ODI series at home starting September 14. Harmanpreet believes this series will serve as a crucial yardstick.

> “Playing against Australia is always a challenge. The series will show us where we stand and boost our confidence going into the World Cup,” she noted. “We’ve been putting in the hard yards during training camps, and it’s starting to show in our performances.”

India’s recent success against England in both ODIs and T20Is on their turf has added to the team’s growing momentum.

2017 SEMIFINAL KNOCK STILL FRESH

Harmanpreet’s blistering 171\* against Australia in the 2017 World Cup semifinal remains etched in cricketing memory. It not only turned the spotlight onto women’s cricket in India but also became a defining moment for her personally.

> “That innings changed a lot for me and for women’s cricket in India. Even though we didn’t win the final, people welcomed us like champions. I still get goosebumps thinking about it,” she said.

YUVRAJ SINGH’S ADVICE: “PLAY THE SITUATION, NOT THE EXPECTATION”

Yuvraj Singh, a key figure in India’s 2011 men’s World Cup triumph, advised the players to remain grounded and focus on their process.

> “It’s a great opportunity to create history, but you shouldn’t start by thinking only about the outcome,” he advised.

> “Play the situation and not the expectation. Be in the moment. When pressure hits, experience and self-belief should take over. That’s how you win for your country.”

SHIFT IN TEAM MENTALITY AND PREPARATION

Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues both spoke about the evolving mindset within the squad.

> “The whole team now understands the importance of working hard off the field. On the field, it’s all about reacting instinctively,” said Mandhana.

> “I’ve changed a lot in terms of how I prepare and think. That preparation gives me clarity and confidence,” added Rodrigues.

MITHALI RAJ: 2017 WAS THE TURNING POINT

Former captain Mithali Raj, who led the team during the 2017 campaign, reflected on how that tournament changed the perception of women’s cricket in India.

> “The 2017 World Cup was a watershed moment not just in India but globally. With social media and increased ICC promotion, the visibility and interest in the women’s game reached new heights,” she said.

A PIVOTAL MOMENT FOR WOMEN’S CRICKET IN INDIA

Sanjog Gupta, CEO of the ICC, described the upcoming tournament as a potential springboard for the next leap in women’s cricket.

> “This World Cup is not just about cricket—it reflects India’s social progress. It normalizes women claiming spaces traditionally dominated by men. Women in blue deserve as much support as their male counterparts,” Gupta said.

> “The past eight years have built toward this moment. Now it’s time for the women’s game to take its next big leap.”

With passion, preparation, and belief on their side, the Indian women’s cricket team heads into a defining season one that could finally bring home the glory they’ve long deserved.