Women in Blue Get Hero’s Send Off as They Fly to T20 World Cup in England

The India Women’s cricket team , popularly known as the Women in Blue, received a grand and emotional farewell as they departed from Mumbai on Saturday for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales.

Led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur , the 15 member squad left with high confidence and renewed belief, riding on the momentum of their historic 2025 ODI World Cup triumph over South Africa, a win that transformed them into national icons.

The squad includes key players such as Smriti Mandhana , who continues to anchor the batting lineup, along with all rounders Deepti Sharma and Renuka Thakur , adding balance and depth to the side. The team enters the tournament with strong expectations and growing global attention.

India has been placed in Group A, where they will face tough opponents including Australia and Pakistan. Their campaign will begin on June 14 with a high voltage opening clash against Pakistan at Edgbaston, a fixture already generating significant buzz among fans.

At the Mumbai airport, supporters turned up in large numbers carrying banners and chanting messages like “Bring It Home,” reflecting the surge in popularity and emotional connection the team has built after their recent ODI success.

The atmosphere was charged with pride and hope as the players acknowledged the crowd before departure, marking the beginning of what fans hope will be another memorable World Cup journey for Indian women’s cricket.