Harmanpreet Kaur Reflects on India's Historic ICC Women's World Cup Triumph
A Turning Point in the Journey
Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 3: After leading her team to their first ICC Women’s World Cup victory, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur shared insights about their journey, highlighting that the loss to England was a pivotal moment.
During the group stage of the Women’s CWC, India faced a narrow defeat against England by just four runs. Kaur noted that this setback significantly influenced the team, motivating them to enhance their mental resilience.
Expressing her joy and relief at clinching the World Cup, Kaur eagerly anticipates the celebrations and the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) plans for the team.
Breaking the Title Drought
India finally ended their wait for a world title by defeating South Africa, who were first-time finalists, by 52 runs in a commanding performance at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.
Reflecting on the past month, Kaur remarked, "It’s uncommon for things to deviate from your plans, yet we maintained a positive outlook. Our group was determined to win this cup, which held special significance for us. No one in the team questioned our next steps after the England match; we all accepted it. After that loss, we were devastated, as we were on the verge of victory but faltered. We had experienced this before, and our coach emphasized the need to avoid repeating mistakes. We had to push through," Kaur explained to reporters.
A Shift in Mindset
"That day marked a significant change for us. We realized we couldn’t keep making the same errors. We needed to adopt a stronger mindset. That night transformed our approach, impacting everyone positively. We became better prepared for the World Cup, incorporating visualization and meditation into our routine. Initially, a couple of players were skeptical about these practices, but eventually, everyone embraced them. This unity demonstrated our commitment to achieving our goal. As for the celebrations, we’ve long awaited this moment, and they will continue throughout the night! We’re excited to see what the BCCI has in store for us," she added.
Praise for the Coach
Kaur acknowledged the crucial role of Indian head coach Amol Muzumdar in their World Cup success, crediting him for instilling stability and structure within the team, which allowed players to flourish.
"Sir’s influence over the past two and a half years has been remarkable. The atmosphere in our dressing room transformed after his arrival. Previously, frequent coaching changes left us uncertain about our direction. However, with Sir, everything became more stable and organized. He deserves significant credit for shaping this team, pushing us to practice diligently and focus on our areas for improvement. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to work with him," Kaur stated.
Impact on Women's Cricket
Kaur expressed immense pride and joy following their Women’s World Cup victory, asserting that this achievement will significantly influence the landscape of women’s cricket in India. She noted that while the team had been performing well, they needed a major win to validate their efforts.
"Absolutely. We’ve been discussing this for years—we’ve played commendable cricket, but winning a major tournament was essential for change. Ultimately, fans want to see their favorite team succeed. It’s not that we weren’t playing well; we were just eagerly awaiting this moment, and now we’ve finally experienced it. Words can’t fully capture my happiness and pride in this team," Kaur concluded.