Keeping details of the Indian women’s cricket team’s preparations under wraps ahead of next month’s T20 World Cup, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana on Tuesday said the squad is shaping up well for the marquee 12-team tournament.
The Women’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in England and Wales from June 12, with reigning ODI World Cup champions India set to begin their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on June 14.
“The camp has gone really well and I would like to leave it at that. I don’t want to reveal too many specifics about what we have worked on because we are heading into a World Cup,” Mandhana said during a press conference organised by feminine care brand Pee Safe.
“But what I can say is that all the girls are looking in good shape. They have been training extremely well and a lot of hard work has gone into the preparations,” she added.
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The 15-member Indian squad recently completed a preparatory camp at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and is scheduled to depart for England on May 22. Before the World Cup begins, India will also play a three-match T20I series against the hosts.
“We are preparing for the World Cup and we will head there for a series before the tournament. The preparations have been progressing well and I hope we continue to work hard, make India proud, and bring the trophy back home,” Mandhana said.
The stylish left-hander also spent time interacting with schoolchildren during the event and stressed the importance of helping youngsters understand that sports can offer a successful career path.
“The kind of questions they ask at such a young age are things I probably would not have thought about back then. They are genuinely curious to know what we go through as players, which is really nice,” Mandhana said.
“For me, it is important to tell them that sports and cricket can actually become a career option and that one can build a future in it. “Another message I always try to give them is to enjoy the process and whatever they choose to do. I just want kids to enjoy themselves and follow their passion,” she added.
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