Excited that we are getting the opportunity to play in home conditions: Harmanpreet

There can be some pressure playing at home, especially when starting out as one of the favourites. But Harmanpreet Kaur said the Indian team was feeling excited, and not under pressure, on the eve of the World Cup opener against Sri Lanka.

“The World Cup is returning to India after 12 years, but there is no pressure at all for us,” the Indian captain said. “We are feeling really well, and in the practice matches we tried to tick all the boxes. We are excited that we are getting the opportunity to play in home conditions. As cricketers we cannot ask for nothing more.”

She said the team was looking forward to some strong support from the spectators during the World Cup. “Whenever we play in India fans have come out to watch us and cheering us,” she said. “Even when we played outside the country, they have supported us. I hope this World Cup will be special for us players and the fans. We will try to create special memories.”

Harmanpreet said the team was shaping up well. “We played more ODIs after the last T20I World Cup,” she said. “And we have won most of our matches and that has given a lot of confidence to do well in ODI cricket. This group has a lot of experience playing together.”

Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu is also excited to play most of their matches at home. She admitted India was a strong contender. “But we are ready for the first game,” she said.

“Since the tournament is being held in India, they will naturally be strong contenders, but we are equally determined to give our best. As co-hosts this time, we want to play our finest cricket. And I really want an Asian team to win this World Cup (for the first time).”