Indian players working on mental strength ahead of T20 World Cup: Harmanpreet

Indian players have been working on ir mental strength for a "long time" which should help team in overcoming hurdles, says skipper Harmanpreet Kaur ahe of upcoming women's T20 World Cup next month.

India, who finished as runner-up in 2020 edition of tournament, are placed in Group A along with six-time winners and defending champions Australia, Pakistan , Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

Kaur said on Monday that Indian players have been working on mental aspect to bring out ir best in crucial moments.

"We have been working on mental strength for a long time. last 3-4 overs are most crucial. T20 cricket is t a small format; at end of day, you are playing 40 overs," Kaur told Star Sports.

"In last 4-5 overs, team that is mentally strong wins match. We have been focusing on this for a while. If we can remain mentally stable in those final five overs, we can execute what’s best for us." India's performances in summit clashes have featured in discussions given team lost in 2020 final by 85 runs to Australia, while England h pipped m by a mere nine runs in 2017 ODI World Cup final.

Even in Commonwealth Games 2022, Australia eked out a nine-run win to clinch gold medal despite a spirited show with bat from India in final, with Kaur's team settling for silver.

"We are working on those aspects, and hopefully, we will overcome this hurdle in tournament," she ded.

India's campaign begins on October 4 against New Zealand followed by clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on October 6.

India, who lost to Sri Lanka in women's Asia Cup final earlier this year, will take on team from island nation on October 9 and each of ir first three group st matches will be played in Dubai.

India's final group match against Australia will be played at Sharjah on October 13.

Kaur said team's combination of players from different states in country gives an opportunity to learn furr.

"All players in our team come from different states. It feels good when you see so many different characters in team. People from various states share dressing room, and you get to learn about ir cultures.

"I think you can only experience that in sports, t in any or career," Kaur ded.