Actor Randeep Hooda Reveals Why Harmanpreet Kaur Is His Favourite Player, Picks Most-Awaited Women’s T20 World Cup Clash

Ahead of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, actor Randeep Hooda has come out in full support of the Indian women’s team and expressed his admiration for their skipper, Harmanpreet Kaur. In an interview with Star Sports, the Bollywood star shared his views on why Harmanpreet is his favorite cricketer. As the country aims to lift its maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title, Hooda wishes the team all the best in making India proud in the ICC event again.

When asked during the interview if he watched the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, he said, “I did watch the ODI Women’s World Cup final and ah it was a very proud feeling that we lifted the cup. Like it was the first time we won and I hope they repeat this with the T20 World Cup.”

Hooda has appreciated captain Harmanpreet’s performance and praised her for setting an example through her actions. Recalling her celebration moments after the World Cup win, Hooda showered praise on her and said that it is because of her that India’s cricket has improved immensely. Also appreciating Smriti Mandhana for being consistent, he admitted that Shafali Verma is his personal choice since she is also from Haryana.

Harmanpreet Kaur Leads Randeep Hooda’s List of Favourite Players

Randeep Hooda had some extra words of appreciation for the team captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, considering her as one of the best players in the Indian team due to her leadership skills. Additionally, he remembered the picture of her celebrating after winning the World Cup in 2025.

When Randeep was asked about his favourite cricketer from the women’s team ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup, he said, “Harmanpreet Kaur obviously is a star in our side. On the last time she made us very happy and got a great visual of her lifting the cup. But then there is Smriti Mandana, who is also a great player who I watch. And of course there is Shefali Verma, who is uh from Haryana. And obviously we have a personal favourite there. And I hope she does well.”

Furthermore, Randeep Hooda selected Smriti Mandhana for the quality and consistency she showed in the opening batting position. Notably, Shafali Verma got an honorary mention from Hooda since he considered her as his personal favorite because she is a fellow Haryana girl like him. 

Cricket Rivalry He’s Waiting For Ahead of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

When he was asked about the rivalry he’s waiting to watch in this edition of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, he said, “India-Pakistan is always an interesting match because of our old neighbouring rivalry but in cricket when it comes to matches I think India-Australia is a better rivalry and more teams more at par with each other in interesting matches so I’m really looking forward to that.”

According to him, games between India and Australia often lead to intense, nail-biting moments and fierce battles on the field. Hooda believes that this balance between two powerhouse teams makes their rivalry especially captivating. As the tournament approaches, he also urged Team India to embrace the moment, play freely, and not let the pressure of expectations weigh them down. He emphasized that delivering entertaining performances and playing fearless cricket should be their main focus, with the trophy being the cherry on top at the end of their journey. 

India’s Schedule at Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 

India will kick-off their campaign with an exciting showdown against Pakistan at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on June 14. Following that, they’ll take on the Netherlands on June 17 at Headingley in Leeds. The Women in Blue will then face South Africa on June 21 and Bangladesh on June 25, both matches set to unfold at Old Trafford in Manchester. Their last group-stage match will be against Australia at Lord’s on June 28. All of India’s group matches are scheduled to start at 7:00 PM IST. The team finds itself in Group 1, alongside Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands. The top two teams from this group will move on to the semifinals.