Dreams and hopes: In their backyard, India women aim to conquer the world

The road to Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati is alive with the festive colours of Durga Pujo spilling into the streets —pandals glowing late into the night, music drifting across neighbourhoods.

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As the lights and the cricket chatter blend into one, both carry the promise of resilience and triumph. India’s ODI World Cup campaign begins here, at home, under the shadow of expectation that has grown more powerful with every edition. India have never won a World Cup, yet the sense is, this one at home, could be different. It could be theirs.

“The World Cup is going to happen at home after 12 years but there is no pressure at all, we all are looking really well,” said India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, on the eve of the tournament opener.

“In the practice games we played, we tried to tick all the boxes, so we all are very excited that we are getting this opportunity to play the World Cup in home conditions. There is nothing more we can ask for as cricketers.”