Leeds
The Indian women’s cricket team, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, arrived in Leeds ahead of their second group-stage encounter against the Netherlands in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. The match is scheduled to take place at Headingley Stadium on Wednesday, with India looking to build on the momentum gained from a convincing victory in their tournament opener.
The Women in Blue began their campaign in impressive fashion by defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by 64 runs. The comprehensive win boosted team confidence and strengthened their position in the group standings as they prepare for the next challenge against the Netherlands.
The team travelled by bus from Birmingham to Leeds, enjoying the scenic journey through the English countryside. During the trip, players relaxed with coffee and engaged in light-hearted conversations, creating a cheerful atmosphere within the squad.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India shared a video of the journey on social media platform X, offering fans a glimpse into the camaraderie among the players. Several members of the squad, including Jemimah Rodrigues, Shreyanka Patil, Smriti Mandhana, and Shafali Varma, shared positive thoughts about their teammates.
When asked to describe two of the best qualities of teammate Arundhati Reddy, Smriti Mandhana praised her determination and commitment. She highlighted Arundhati’s competitive spirit and her constant encouragement to teammates to maintain high standards during preparation and on the field.
Arundhati, in turn, spoke warmly about India’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana. She humorously revealed that Smriti is usually responsible for selecting dining locations during overseas tours and noted that her recommendations almost always lead to excellent food experiences. According to Arundhati, anyone seeking good restaurants while travelling should seek advice from the stylish opener.
Jemimah Rodrigues was asked what she admired most about Shreyanka Patil. She described the young all-rounder as a caring person who always looks after those around her. Shreyanka returned the compliment by saying that Jemimah frequently surprises teammates with thoughtful gifts, a gesture she deeply appreciates.
