Women's T20 World Cup | 'We are hungrier to win again': Jemimah Rodrigues

MUMBAI : Fresh off their maiden Women’s ODI World Cup triumph in 2025, the Indian team is far from satisfied. Batter Jemimah Rodrigues says the side is “hungrier than ever” to add the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in England to their growing legacy.

“Winning one has only made us want to win two,” Rodrigues said at an event here on Sunday. “Usually, after a World Cup, teams can get complacent. But this team is different. We are hungrier to win again.”

The 25-year-old, one of the key contributors to India’s historic ODI World Cup win, revealed that preparations for the upcoming T20 showpiece (June 12–July 5) began much earlier than the squad announcement on Saturday. She said the shift in focus.

“The first series we played after the World Cup was against Sri Lanka in Vizag (in Dec), which we won 5-0. That’s when I told the team in a huddle that this is where our journey for the next World Cup begins,” Rodrigues said at the IISM Degree Distribution Ceremony, attended by head coach Amol Muzumdar.

India will fine-tune their preparations with a week-long camp at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru from May 10. “Preparation has always been integral to this team. We believe in getting ready for every challenge, and we are on the right track,” Muzumdar said. “We’ll look to have a productive camp before heading into the World Cup.”

However, the team will miss the services of all-rounder Amanjot Kaur, who is ruled out with a serious back injury that requires surgery. Muzumdar admitted her absence would be felt. “It’s difficult to replace someone like Amanjot, who has been performing consistently. But injuries are part of the game. We hope she comes back stronger,” he said.

Rodrigues also addressed India’s recent 4-1 defeat in a T20I series in South Africa, terming it a learning curve ahead of the World Cup. “Failures sometimes teach you more than winning everything. It has given us a reality check. The team is taking it in the right spirit, working hard, and preparing well. We’ll come back stronger,” she said.

Rodrigues expressed excitement over the inclusion of pacer Nandani Sharma, who earned her maiden India callup after a stellar Women’s Premier League season, where she claimed 17 wickets. “Nandani is ready. She was outstanding in the WPL and consistent in every game. When she came onto the big stage, she delivered every time. I’m really looking forward to having her in the team,” Rodrigues said.

Muzumdar, meanwhile, drew confidence from India’s recent success in English conditions. The team registered a landmark 2-1 T20I series win in England in July 2025.