The Indian women’s cricket team has kicked off a crucial phase of its preparation for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 with a week-long skill-based conditioning camp in Visakhapatnam starting August 25. The camp is designed to sharpen technical skills, enhance match awareness, and prepare players for the challenges of competing on home soil in one of the most significant tournaments in women’s cricket.
Preparing for Venue-Specific Challenges
One of the primary reasons for selecting Visakhapatnam as the training venue is the team’s limited experience at the ACA-VDCA Stadium. Only three players in the current squad—Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Sneh Rana—have previously played there, and that was more than a decade ago in 2014. This lack of exposure makes it vital for the squad to gain familiarity with the pitch conditions, boundary dimensions, and ground atmosphere ahead of their two World Cup fixtures scheduled at this venue—against South Africa on October 9 and Australia on October 12.
The World Cup will also see India playing at other relatively unfamiliar grounds such as Guwahati and Indore. The camp has been structured to help players adapt quickly to different conditions by simulating match situations, conducting tactical sessions, and offering specialized training to handle variations in pitch behavior and weather conditions across venues.
From Bengaluru to Visakhapatnam – A Strategic Shift
Initially, the conditioning camp was planned for Bengaluru at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, logistical issues arose when the Karnataka State Cricket Association was unable to obtain police clearance for matches at the venue. This led to a last-minute decision to move the camp to Visakhapatnam, ensuring that India’s preparation schedule remained on track.
In a related change, Bengaluru has also been replaced by Navi Mumbai as one of the World Cup venues. This change could prove advantageous for India since the team has played several matches in Navi Mumbai over the past three to four years. Both international fixtures and Women’s Premier League matches have been hosted there, giving the squad a level of comfort with the ground and its playing conditions.
A Camp Beyond Physical Conditioning
This week-long program is not just about physical drills; it focuses equally on skill refinement and mental preparation. The training sessions will include batting against spin and pace under lights, bowling on varying surfaces, and fine-tuning fielding techniques suited to specific ground sizes. Players will also engage in tactical workshops, studying match scenarios and opposition strategies to sharpen their decision-making abilities during high-pressure games.
An essential component of the camp will be two intra-squad day-and-night practice matches, designed to simulate real tournament conditions. These matches will help the players get a feel for the atmosphere they are likely to face during the World Cup and test their ability to perform under match-like pressure.
ODI Series Against Australia – The Final Test
Following the camp, the team will travel to New Chandigarh for a three-match ODI series against Australia starting September 16. This series is expected to be a crucial test of India’s readiness, providing them with competitive exposure against one of the strongest teams in the world.
Playing against a formidable opponent like Australia will not only help assess the effectiveness of the conditioning camp but also offer insights into areas that need fine-tuning before the tournament begins. The Indian team management will likely use these games to evaluate different player combinations, batting orders, and bowling strategies, ensuring that the final World Cup lineup is as balanced and versatile as possible.
Building Mental Toughness and Team Cohesion
Beyond skill and fitness, mental strength is an essential ingredient in India’s preparation. Competing in a World Cup at home comes with the dual pressure of expectation and performance. To handle this, players will undergo sessions focusing on concentration, resilience, and composure under pressure.
Building team cohesion is another critical element of the camp. With a mix of experienced players and emerging talent in the squad, developing a strong sense of unity and trust will be key to delivering consistent performances throughout the tournament. The intra-squad matches and intensive training sessions are expected to foster this bond and ensure that every player understands their role in the team’s larger strategy.
Aiming for Glory on Home Soil
The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 begins on September 30, and India will enter the tournament with a combination of youthful energy and experienced leadership. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana will play pivotal roles in guiding the team, both on and off the field.
With limited exposure to some of the venues, India’s decision to hold this conditioning camp could prove decisive in ensuring that no aspect of preparation is overlooked. From acclimatising to new pitches to practicing under lights, the team is working diligently to cover every possible challenge.
As the countdown to the tournament continues, the Indian women’s cricket team is determined to use every opportunity to strengthen its game, refine strategies, and build the confidence needed to deliver on the world stage. The Visakhapatnam camp marks an important step in this journey—a step that could set the tone for a historic campaign in front of home fans.