ENG-W vs IND-W 2025: Harmanpreet Kaur doesn't attend press conference; in doubt for series opener

India Women skipper Harmanpreet Kaur did not attend the pre-match press conference ahead of the first T20I against England Women. Vice-captain, Smriti Mandhana, took Harmanpreet's place and faced the media instead.

Smriti shared that Harmanpreet was not feeling well due to which she couldn't make it. However, she remained quietly optimistic when asked about the former's participation in the first T20I.

“I don’t think she’s not playing; she’s just unwell today. I am here just filling up (for Harmanpreet) today," stated Smriti while speaking at the pre-match press conference, as quoted by News18.

She seemed to be pleased with the preparation which the team had undergone at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru before flying to the UK.

“It’s been a good 25 days of prep. We had batters and bowlers’ camp at NCA, and that was also very targeted and very specific, keeping in mind this tour and the World Cup," added Smriti.

The preparation has been good leading up to the series: Smriti

Mandhana also remarked on the positive impact of landing up in England early in order to get used to the English conditions, terming it as one of the most important aspects.   

“We came in earlier here, a good eight days of prep, a few good practice matches (in which) we got to know a lot of things about England’s conditions. Especially a lot of girls, it’s their first England tour, so it was important for them to come here early and get used to the conditions. The preparation has been good leading up to the series," she shared.

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India Women will play five T20Is followed by three ODIs against the Nat Sciver-Brunt-led unit. This white-ball series is intended to serve as an ideal source of game time for the players, most of who will be a part of the squad for the Women's ODI World Cup to be held from September to November later this year.