In the wake of India's historic victory at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, captain Harmanpreet Kaur has reflected on the pivotal moments that shaped their journey to the top. Among these, she highlighted how a narrow defeat against England served as a turning point for the team.
Kaur described the four-run loss to England in the group stage as "heartbreaking". India, chasing 289, were in a comfortable position with Smriti Mandhana batting strongly. However, a sudden collapse snatched victory from their grasp. Kaur admitted that the team had dominated large parts of the contest but failed to "cross the finish line". This defeat was especially crushing as it was India's third consecutive loss in the tournament, leaving their semi-final hopes hanging by a thread.
According to Kaur, the loss triggered a crucial change in the team's mental approach. She revealed that after the match, head coach Amol Muzumdar delivered an "aggressive" pep talk, which had a profound impact. Muzumdar emphasized the need to avoid repeating the same mistakes and to develop a stronger mindset. Kaur also spoke individually with each player to understand their feelings and ensure everyone was on the same page.
The captain noted a visible shift in the team's demeanor following the England game. There was a newfound energy and intensity during practice sessions. The players took Muzumdar's feedback positively, understanding that it came from a place of genuine concern and a desire to see them succeed.
Kaur stated that the team had been playing "scared cricket" and were easily daunted when things didn't go according to plan. However, after the England loss, they embraced a more aggressive and brave approach. This change in mindset was evident in their subsequent performances, particularly in the semi-final against Australia, where they chased down a record 339 runs. Jemimah Rodrigues's composed century and her 167-run partnership with Kaur played a crucial role in the victory.
Kaur emphasized that the World Cup victory was not just about winning a trophy but also about inspiring future generations of cricketers. She hopes that their achievement will mark a turning point for women's cricket in India, leading to greater recognition, respect, and opportunities for young girls to pursue their dreams. Kaur believes that the team has demonstrated that women's cricket is not just entertainment but a display of excellence.
India went on to win the final against South Africa by 52 runs, securing their first-ever World Cup title. Shafali Verma's impressive 87 and Deepti Sharma's all-round performance contributed significantly to the victory. Sharma was named player of the tournament for her consistent performance throughout the competition.
Harmanpreet Kaur's leadership has been lauded for fostering an aggressive brand of cricket, and she has been instrumental in challenging top teams and reaching multiple ICC finals. She expressed immense pride and happiness after winning the World Cup, stating that this victory would bring about a significant change in women's cricket in India.
