India targeting World Cup triumph despite challenges: Sneh Rana

Spin bowling all-rounder Sneh Rana stated on Monday that although the Indian squad is determined to win the coveted trophy, competing in the women’s ODI World Cup at home will be difficult.

Co-hosts India and Sri Lanka will meet in the tournament opener in Guwahati on September 30. Notably, India are still chasing their first World Cup title.

“It’s going to be interesting and challenging, especially since we are going to play at home. It’s a special feeling. And it’s even more special for Harman didi (Harmanpreet Kaur), as she’s been playing cricket for so many years now. Our aim is to fill the trophy cabinet with a World Cup,” Rana told JioHotstar.

It will also be an “important” competition for head coach Amol Muzumdar, according to senior all-rounder Deepti Sharma.

“Whenever we play a bilateral series, the World Cup trophy keeps coming to our mind and this is Amol Muzumdar sir’s first World Cup, so it’s important and special,” Deepti said.

“We are going to play in front of a huge crowd in India, and it’s going to be a memorable campaign and we are ready for it,” she added.

Rana and wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh both credited the Women’s Premier League (WPL) for giving Indian players valuable exposure.

“It gives us the stage to play alongside and against top-class players from around the world. You also get to learn from elite foreign coaches, their strategies, how they think, and how they react in key moments,” Rana said.

Ghosh said, “Playing with overseas players also helps a lot. Their plans and strategies are very different, and knowing that gives me an advantage. It allows me to understand what strategy they will use if I play alongside or against them.”