Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, May 19: Indian women’s cricket team vice-captain Smriti Mandhana on Tuesday said the squad is in good shape ahead of the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, while keeping details of their preparations under wraps.

The 12-team tournament will be held in England and Wales from June 12, with India set to open their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on June 14.

Speaking at a press conference organised by feminine care brand Pee Safe, Mandhana said the team’s training camp had gone well and players are fully focused on the marquee event.

“The camp has gone well and I would like to keep it at that. I would not like to say any specifics of what we have worked on because we are heading to a World Cup,” she said.

“But what I would say is that all the girls are looking in good shape, they have been practising really well and a lot of hard work has gone behind it,” she added.

The Indian squad recently completed a training camp at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and is scheduled to leave for England on May 22. The team will also play a three-match T20I series against England ahead of the World Cup.

Mandhana expressed hope that the team would continue its strong preparations and perform well on the global stage.

“We are prepping for the World Cup and we will leave for a series before it. The preparations have been going well and I hope that we keep working hard and make India proud and bring the cup back home,” she said.

The senior batter also interacted with school children during the event and highlighted the importance of sports as a career option.

She said it was encouraging to see young students curious about the life of athletes and their journey.

Mandhana also urged children to pursue sports seriously and enjoy the process, saying that passion and consistency can help them build successful careers in the field.