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'We Are Really Looking Forward To It': Harleen Eyes Inaugural Women's Champions Trophy

ODI World Cup: India batter Harleen Deol said being world champions brings 'a little pressure' but is also a privilege as the team looks ahead to the inaugural ICC Womens Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in India from February 14 to 28, 2027. India, who won the Womens ODI World Cup in 2025, will aim to build on that success as they begin their three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe on Friday. Definitely, were looking forward to it. Obviously we are world champions, and obviously that adds a little pressure on us, and its a privilege, and were grateful for it, and were really looking forward to the cycle, Harleen told broadcasters ahead of the match. The inaugural edition of the Womens Champions Trophy will be another major assignment for India, who will look to establish the right combinations and strengthen their preparations in the 50-over format. Harleen said the team had been considering different combinations and approaches, while acknowledging that the time available before the tournament was limited. Weve just collected a few thoughts, and weve just collected a few mix here and there, and we're looking for the combinations differently. So weve got very little time for the Champions Trophy, and obviously its not the part I am looking at. Were just looking at the opportunities and all that stuff; rest will happen, she said. The Indian batter also stressed that her priority remained performing well for the team, irrespective of the position she was asked to play. My role is very simple in my head. I just have to do well; thats it. So no matter which position youre playing in and where youre playing, it doesnt matter. The only thing which matters is adapting the conditions well and doing well. Thats it, Harleen said. India enter the ODI series after a dominant performance in the T20I leg, having swept Zimbabwe 3-0. The hosts won the first match by four wickets, the second by nine wickets and the third by 92 runs. Harleen said the T20I series had helped the team gain familiarity with Zimbabwe and work on its approach ahead of the 50-over matches. Weve just had a look at the T20 series, so probably were a little more familiar with the T20 side. So obviously we worked upon a few things on how to approach them, and the preparation has worked well for us because we saw the T20 series, and were really looking forward to this, she said. Harleen said the T20I series had helped the team gain familiarity with Zimbabwe and work on its approach ahead of the 50-over matches. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS