Amanjot Kaur's journey to the Women's World Cup 2025 is a testament to resilience, self-belief, and the unwavering support of her family. The 25-year-old all-rounder from Chandigarh has captured attention not only for her cricketing skills but also for her confident and philosophical outlook on the game.
Kaur's journey to the international stage wasn't without hurdles. After making her debut for India in January 2023, where she earned a Player-of-the-Match award against South Africa, she faced injury setbacks, including a stress fracture and a ligament tear, which kept her away from the game for six months in 2024. These setbacks could have derailed her aspirations, but she used the time away to gain a fresher perspective. "Like it is said, an injured lion takes a step back, to make a big jump,” she stated, encapsulating her approach to overcoming adversity.
Her perseverance shone through as she fought her way back into the team. After undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and proving her form in the Women's ODI Challenger Trophy and the Women's Premier League (WPL), she earned her place in the World Cup squad. In the WPL, playing for Mumbai Indians, she averaged 42 with the bat and picked up five wickets, showcasing her value as an all-rounder. A stellar tour in England further solidified her position, highlighted by a match-winning knock of 61 off 43 balls in a T20I in Bristol.
In India's opening World Cup match against Sri Lanka in Guwahati, Kaur demonstrated her self-assuredness and ability to perform under pressure. When India found themselves in trouble at 124/6, Kaur partnered with Deepti Sharma to stitch together a 103-run stand, which shifted the momentum of the game. Kaur's maiden ODI half-century (57 runs) and her bowling performance (1/37) contributed significantly to India's 59-run victory. "How can India be in trouble when I was still to bat?" she quipped, reflecting her unwavering self-belief.
Kaur's philosophy extends beyond her own performance; she embraces opportunities and appreciates the contributions of her teammates. When Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur were dismissed early, Kaur saw it as a chance for herself and Deepti Sharma to step up and contribute. This positive attitude and team-oriented mindset make her a valuable asset to the Indian team.
Amanjot Kaur's journey embodies the spirit of never giving up, learning from setbacks, and maintaining unwavering self-belief. Her success is not just about her individual achievements but also about the support she has received from her family and the opportunities she has seized along the way. As she continues to represent India on the world stage, Kaur's philosophy of resilience, confidence, and teamwork will undoubtedly inspire many others to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.
