‘Winning Is Addictive’: Jemimah Rodrigues Reveals India’s Mindset Ahead of Women’s T20 World Cup

Fresh off ending their long ICC trophy drought with the Women’s Cricket World Cup title in 2025, India are determined to keep the momentum going as they begin their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign.

Ahead of the highly anticipated clash against Pakistan at Edgbaston, several members of the Indian setup reflected on the team’s hunger for success, handling pressure and adapting to the demands of modern T20 cricket during JioStar’s ‘Jazbaa Jeet Ka’ programme.

For captain Harmanpreet Kaur, the focus remains on building the strongest possible team while managing expectations that naturally come with being world champions.

“There will be pressure on us because we have now set a standard for ourselves after winning the World Cup,” Harmanpreet said.

“And everybody, especially our Indian fans, will be watching us more closely.”

The Indian skipper also highlighted the importance of the middle overs in T20 cricket, a phase she believes often determines the outcome of matches.

“In terms of tactics, there is a lot of attention on the Powerplay and the last few overs, but I feel it is the middle overs that control the entire game. So, how you fare in that phase is critical.”

India enter the tournament among the favourites after their historic ODI World Cup triumph last year, and batter Jemimah Rodrigues admitted that tasting success has only increased the team’s desire for more.

“What has happened with that World Cup win is that it has empowered us to be motivated to do even better,” Rodrigues said.

“When you win one, and it may sound like a negative word, it is almost like an addiction, you want to win another one.”

The 24-year-old also spoke about the adjustments required in the shortest format.

“In T20 cricket, compared to other formats, you have to take calculated risks. For me, it is about being smart with when to take those risks and how to put the bowlers and the opposition under pressure.”

Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana echoed those sentiments, praising the hunger within the squad while outlining how her own approach has evolved over the years.

“More than anything, I feel this team is really hungry,” Mandhana said.

“Everyone looks determined to do the right things and, for sure, we would like to carry our form into the T20 World Cup.”

Mandhana explained that flexibility has become a key part of her batting philosophy.

“There is just one mindset, to do well for India in whatever situation the team requires. If needed, I can anchor the innings or be the aggressor. That’s my job.”

She also pointed to the depth in India’s batting order, with power-hitters like Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh and Harmanpreet Kaur capable of accelerating at any stage of the innings.

Head coach Amol Muzumdar believes India’s preparations for the tournament began almost immediately after lifting the ODI World Cup trophy.

“Following that World Cup win, in the T20I series against Sri Lanka, we began preparing ourselves for the goal which is ahead of us now, the T20 World Cup,” Muzumdar said.

The coach also credited the Women’s Premier League for accelerating the growth of women’s cricket in India.

“If you look at what has transpired in the WPL over the last three years, it has been outstanding,” he said.

“For any girl or cricketer to play in front of a packed stadium and a capacity crowd, and then deliver match-winning performances, the confidence level goes sky-high.”

India pacer Nandni Sharma, one of the newer faces in the squad, described the WPL as a career-changing experience.

“The WPL changed me a lot. I have learnt so much from it,” Nandni said.

“Getting the opportunity to share a dressing room with such big players completely changed my perspective. I look at cricket very differently now.”

With confidence high and expectations even higher, India now turn their attention to arch-rivals Pakistan in what promises to be one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament.

Having finally broken their ICC title drought, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side are chasing something even bigger – proving that last year’s triumph was only the beginning.