The mango that broke a market
It is peak mango season in India. The Alphonso harvest is at its richest, the Kesar at its most fragrant.
India have completed their week-long preparatory camp for the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam. The camp focused on skill-based sessions, fitness and match-simulation training as the team builds up for the marquee event, starting September 30.
Opener Pratika Rawal expressed confidence in the team’s batting depth after the sessions.
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“We had different scenarios. Most of us were able to do it and I think it’s a very good start. I mean, few of us batted brilliantly. I think the amount of depth this team has, I am pretty sure it’s going to be great for us,” she said in a video shared by the BCCI on Monday.
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She also underlined the team’s growing unity as a positive sign. “I feel like the way that we are bonding right now, it’s amazing. The girls are understanding each other’s perspective, which is a very good sign. So, our team looks united,” she added.
Seam-bowling all-rounder Arundhati Reddy said the camp tested her against some of the best batters in the squad.
“For me, I have had few challenges with the batters when I go in. I think it’s good for both of us because it gets the best out of whoever I am bowling to and I personally like a challenge when I am bowling,” Reddy said.
Visakhapatnam will also host India’s crucial World Cup fixtures against South Africa on October 9 and defending champions Australia on October 12. India, yet to win a Women’s ODI World Cup, have finished runners-up twice, in 2005 and 2017.
The tournament, featuring eight teams, will be played across Colombo, Guwahati, Indore, Navi Mumbai, and Visakhapatnam between September 30 and November 2.
India will open their campaign against Sri Lanka at the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) Stadium in Guwahati on September 30, but before that, they will regroup for a three-match ODI series against Australia.
The first two ODIs will be played in Mullanpur on September 14 and 17, with the final match scheduled for New Delhi on September 20.
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