India’s Women’s Cricket team recently scripted history, clinching their maiden ODI World Cup title. The jubilant scenes at the DY Patil Stadium culminated in a powerful moment: captain Harmanpreet Kaur approaching head coach Amol Muzumdar and respectfully touching his feet.
This gesture symbolized deep respect and gratitude, highlighting the strong bond between the captain and Muzumdar, who took charge almost two years ago in December 2023. Let’s delve into Muzumdar’s reflections on this monumental triumph.
Coach Amol Muzumdar: From Domestic Stalwart to World Cup Winner
For Amol Muzumdar, the feeling of coaching India to their first-ever World Cup crown is still sinking in. “Unbelievably unbelievable. It has not sunk in as of now, but I’m sure that as the days go by, it will probably sink in. But it’s a surreal feeling,” he shared, his voice tinged with emotion.
Muzumdar is a Mumbaikar and a former domestic cricket batting legend. He amassed an incredible 11,167 runs in 171 first-class matches at an average of 48.13, including 30 centuries during the 1990s and 2000s.
His coaching prowess is also well-established. He led Mumbai to the Ranji Trophy title in the 2006-07 season. Later, he guided Mumbai to their first Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy title in 2022 with Ajinkya Rahane as captain.
Recalling the final moments of the World Cup triumph, Muzumdar admitted that the initial five minutes after Harmanpreet’s decisive catch were a blur. “After the catch, I don’t know what happened. The next five minutes were blurred. I was looking up in the dugout. Everybody was hugging. So, it was an emotional moment for everyone.”
The Bond That Built Champions: Muzumdar, Harmanpreet & Mandhana
The success of any team often hinges on the synergy between the coach and captain. Muzumdar shed light on his dynamic with captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana.
He shared long, heartfelt hugs with both players after the victory. “Harman and I don’t speak much,” Muzumdar revealed. “With Smriti, I discuss a lot of things about batting and planning.”
Despite less verbal communication, the connection with Harmanpreet is profound. “I share a very good working relationship with Harman. And so it should be. A coach and captain need to be on one page. We are always on the same page,” he emphasized, highlighting the unspoken understanding crucial for success.
A Watershed Moment for Indian Cricket
Muzumdar views India’s World Cup victory as far more than just a win in women’s cricket. He termed it a “watershed moment in Indian cricket, and not just Indian women’s cricket.”
He beautifully illustrated the victory’s impact by recounting a recent encounter. “I just met a three- or four-year-old girl whose inspiration is Harman. She follows Harman wherever she goes.”
Such moments, he believes, are vital for inspiring the next generation. The packed DY Patil Stadium and the millions who watched on television are testaments to this impact. “You never know. Like 1983 — it inspired a lot of cricketers in that generation,” he mused, drawing parallels to another historic World Cup win.
The Unforgettable Journey to Glory
India’s World Cup journey was not without its challenges. The team faced a tough patch, losing three consecutive games before staging a remarkable comeback with three wins against strong SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries.
Muzumdar’s message to the players during this period was clear: “I kept telling the players that we have not lost the game, we just were not able to cross the line. We were competitive in those matches. We were very close to beating South Africa, Australia, and England.”
He praised the team’s incredible resilience. “But the grit and determination that the girls have shown has been just phenomenal — against New Zealand in a virtual quarterfinal, the semifinals against Australia, and then against South Africa in the final,” he applauded.
The Turning Point: Guwahati vs. Sri Lanka
According to Muzumdar, the team’s opening match against Sri Lanka in Guwahati was the “turning point” of their campaign. India secured a 59-run victory via the DLS method.
The match saw India struggling at 124 for six in 27 overs. However, a crucial 103-run seventh-wicket stand between Amanjot Kaur (57) and Deepti Sharma (53) propelled them to a competitive 269 for eight in 47 overs.
This comeback set the tone for the rest of the tournament:
- Early Momentum: The win instilled confidence right from the start.
- Resilience Displayed: The fightback from a difficult position showcased the team’s character.
- Strategic Camps: A series of preparatory camps before the World Cup also contributed to their readiness.
“I think that right from the start, the mood was set in Guwahati, beating Sri Lanka… So, Guwahati was a turning point. When we entered the ground at Guwahati, everything turned around,” Muzumdar concluded.
Conclusion: A New Era for Indian Women’s Cricket
India’s maiden Women’s ODI World Cup title is more than just a trophy; it’s a testament to years of hard work, unwavering belief, and a powerful coach-captain synergy. Amol Muzumdar and Harmanpreet Kaur have not only led their team to glory but have also ignited a new spark of inspiration across the nation.
This “watershed moment” promises to leave a lasting legacy, inspiring countless young girls to dream big and pick up a bat or ball. The future of Indian women’s cricket shines brighter than ever before.