India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana was among the proudest members of the Indian women’s cricket team as captain Harmanpreet Kaur received the prestigious Padma Shri award on Monday. The Indian squad, currently training in Chelmsford ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, paused their practice session to watch the Civil Investiture Ceremony together from the dressing room.
As President Droupadi Murmu presented the Padma Shri to Harmanpreet Kaur at Rashtrapati Bhavan, loud cheers and applause erupted inside the Indian camp. Smriti Mandhana, who shares a close friendship with Harmanpreet both on and off the field, looked visibly emotional during the ceremony. Moments later, Mandhana immediately video-called the India captain to personally congratulate her on receiving one of the country’s highest civilian honours.
The touching celebration highlighted the strong bond and unity within the Indian women’s cricket team ahead of a crucial international season. A video shared by the BCCI Women’s social media handle captured the squad celebrating together in Chelmsford, while Harmanpreet joined virtually via video call. The caption perfectly summed up the moment: “One for all and all for one.”
ALSO READ: MSK Prasad Supports Suryakumar Yadav Captaincy Continuity Amid Form Concerns
Harmanpreet Kaur was honoured with the Padma Shri for her outstanding contribution to Indian cricket over the years. The recognition came shortly after she led India to a historic ICC Women’s ODI World Cup triumph on home soil in 2025, ending the nation’s long wait for a senior women’s world title and cementing her legacy as one of India’s greatest captains.
One for all and all for one 🥹 🙌
🎥 Moments to truly cherish as #TeamIndia celebrates Captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s prestigious Padma Shri award in Chelmsford 🫶 🇮🇳@ImHarmanpreet pic.twitter.com/NMHcWTTf21
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) May 25, 2026
Meanwhile, Team India has started preparations for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup and the T20I series against England in impressive fashion. Ahead of the three-match T20I assignment, the Women in Blue registered a commanding seven-wicket victory over the ECB Development Women’s XI in a practice game at Chelmsford.
Chasing 155, India comfortably reached the target in just 16.2 overs before continuing to bat for the remainder of the innings as part of the warm-up format. The team eventually posted 200 for six in 20 overs.
ALSO READ: Sanjay Manjrekar Uses Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Example To Criticise IPL Impact Player Rule
India’s bowling attack was led by Arundhati Reddy, who picked up three wickets, while Deepti Sharma and Shreyanka Patil chipped in with one each. With the bat, Smriti Mandhana gave India a flying start with 21 off 10 balls, while Shafali Verma smashed a brilliant 50 off just 25 deliveries.
Yastika Bhatia also impressed with a fluent 47, and Bharti Fulmali remained unbeaten on 27 as India showcased their batting depth ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup.
