Harmanpreet Kaur Reflects on India's Historic Women's World Cup Victory
A Turning Point for the Team
Following their inaugural win in the ICC Women's World Cup, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur reflected on the team's journey, noting that the loss to England was a pivotal moment. India faced a narrow defeat against England by just four runs during the group stage, which Kaur believes had a profound impact on the team's mindset, motivating them to enhance their mental approach. She expressed excitement and relief over winning the World Cup, eagerly anticipating celebrations and the plans from the BCCI for the team.
Historic Victory Against South Africa
On Sunday, India triumphed over South Africa by 52 runs at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, securing their first ICC Women's World Cup title and ending a long wait for a world championship. Kaur shared with reporters that the past month had been quite eventful. It is rare for things not to go as planned, yet the team maintained a positive outlook. They were genuinely eager for the cup, which was a unique aspect of their group dynamic. No player questioned their next steps; instead, they focused on moving forward. After the loss to England, the team felt shattered, believing they were on the verge of victory but faltered at the last moment. Kaur recalled that the coach had emphasized the need to avoid repeating mistakes and to push beyond limits.
A Shift in Mindset
Kaur further explained that much changed for the team after that day. They realized they could not keep repeating the same mistakes and needed to approach matches with determination. That night marked a significant shift for them, impacting everyone involved. They prepared more rigorously for the World Cup, incorporating visualization and meditation into their routine. Initially, a couple of players were hesitant about these practices, but eventually, the entire team embraced them. This collective effort underscored their purpose in the tournament, and they were determined to succeed. Regarding celebrations, Kaur mentioned they had been looking forward to this moment, promising a night of festivities, and expressed curiosity about the BCCI's plans for the team.
Appreciation for Coaching
Kaur also acknowledged the significant role of Indian head coach Amol Majumdar in the team's World Cup success. She credited him with bringing stability and structure to the squad, allowing players to perform at their best and progress. Kaur remarked, "The contribution of our coach over the past two and a half years has been remarkable. Since his arrival, there has been a notable change in our dressing room. Previously, coaches frequently changed, leaving us uncertain about how to move forward. However, with his presence, everything has become stable and smooth. He deserves immense credit for building this team. He has worked tirelessly with us, focusing on areas that needed improvement. His input has been invaluable for the entire team, and I am genuinely pleased to have had the opportunity to work with him."