Sunil Gavaskar: Women’s ODI World Cup Triumph Marks Pinnacle in Indian Cricket History

The Indian women’s cricket team achieved a historic victory by clinching the ICC ODI World Cup on their third attempt. Previously, they had experienced heartbreak in two finals, including a close loss to England at Lord’s, where the English fans dominated the stands. In that encounter, India seemed on course for victory until Harmanpreet Kaur, who was in excellent form, was caught at deep square leg. Following her dismissal, the team lost its composure, leading to run-outs and poor shot selection that resulted in defeat.

This time around, Harmanpreet Kaur led the team as captain and secured the win with a stunning catch, marking one of the most significant victories in Indian cricket history for both men and women. The team’s determination was remarkable, embodying the gritty “khadoos attitude” that is synonymous with Mumbai cricket. Coach Amol Muzumdar, hailing from Mumbai, likely played a pivotal role in instilling this resilience, especially as the team rebounded impressively after three narrow losses.

The triumph underscored the importance of sporting intelligence over academic credentials in achieving cricketing success. It also highlighted the effectiveness of Indian coaches, who are more attuned to the players’ strengths, weaknesses, and the intricacies of Indian cricket, compared to their foreign counterparts.

Comparisons arose with the 1983 men’s team World Cup win. Unlike the men, the women’s team had already reached two finals. However, both victories had transformative effects. The 1983 win propelled Indian cricket onto the world stage and inspired a new generation of cricketers from across the country, a trend further boosted by the IPL.

Similarly, this victory is poised to transform women’s cricket in India, encouraging girls from all corners of the nation to take up the sport. The Women’s Premier League (WPL) has started this movement by offering cricket as a viable career for young women, and with this World Cup win, parental support is expected to grow even further.

This achievement is a moment to celebrate and remember, a monumental success for Harmanpreet Kaur and her team. They have made India proud, marking what is hoped to be the first of many triumphs for Indian women’s cricket.

Published on Nov 03, 2025