Shifting to T20 from ODI wasn't easy: Harmanpreet Kaur

NEW DELHI: India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur on Tuesday admitted that the transition from ODIs to T20Is was challenging, but said the 5-0 series sweep against Sri Lanka has given her side fresh motivation to raise its standards ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.The five-match T20I series marked India’s first assignment since their 50-over World Cup triumph in November, and they whitewashed Sri Lanka to underline their dominance and adaptability across white-ball formats.“2025 has been great for us. All the hard work we have done, this year we have got the credit. Now, it’s about repeating these habits. Going forward, we want to look at this series and think of what we can do ahead,” Harmanpreet said during the post-match presentation.While Sri Lanka pushed India at different stages, the hosts held their nerve to secure a 15-run victory in the fifth T20I on Tuesday and cap off an impressive series.“Shifting to T20 from ODI wasn't easy but everyone was excited to play. We fought for this and were happy how all things came together. Next is WPL which is important for all of us.“Hopefully, we play our best cricket and enjoy ourselves. Next six months are important, we want to keep working hard and raising the bar,” she added.The 36-year-old revealed that the team discussions in the dressing room revolved around improving strike rates.“All of us have played a lot of T20 cricket together. It was about believing we can do that. Sir (head coach Amol Muzumdar) spoke about strike rates and lifting the standards. Everyone was happy and we wanted to set that standard,” she said.Opener Shafali Verma, who was named Player of the Series after scoring three consecutive half-centuries, said her hard work had paid dividends.“My work throughout the year has paid off. I will ensure that I don't make the mistake I did today (getting out for 5). I will work harder and come back the next time.”Shafali also reiterated her fondness for the shortest format. “Both are different games. In ODI you have to play along the ground. T20 is my favourite, day by day I am improving and I will become a better player for the team,” she noted.Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu conceded that her side failed to deliver its best cricket during the series.“We are not playing our best cricket. We have to improve our power-hitting and batting. Some youngsters played well in the middle. We are looking forward to playing our best cricket in the next few months.”Reflecting on the contest, she added: “We played good cricket 6-7 months ago. Our coach asked us to play freely. Some of the batters executed the right plans in the middle. We gave India a fight but unfortunately we lost.”Athapaththu admitted that Sri Lanka has plenty to reflect on ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.“A few seniors are here with me, they are playing well but we aren't playing our best cricket as seniors. Some youngsters have taken their opportunities. We have to think a lot before the T20 World Cup,” she added.