The air was electric, and history was made! The Indian women’s cricket team finally achieved their long-awaited dream, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final to lift the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup for the very first time.
Led by the dynamic Harmanpreet Kaur, the team overcame past heartbreaks from 2005 and 2017. This monumental victory wasn’t just a win; it was a rewriting of history, bringing home the sport’s biggest prize.
The triumph immediately drew parallels to India’s iconic 1983 Men’s World Cup victory under Kapil Dev. That young team famously stunned the mighty West Indies, sparking a cricketing revolution in the nation.
However, legendary opener Sunil Gavaskar offers a nuanced perspective. While acknowledging both achievements as iconic, he believes they shouldn’t be viewed on the exact same scale.
Gavaskar on Sporting Intelligence and Indian Coaches
In his column for The Sportstar, Gavaskar emphasized the core ingredient for success in sport.
“The win once again emphasised, if ever it was needed, that sporting intelligence wins trophies, not fancy degrees from universities,” he wrote.
He further championed the role of local expertise. “It also proves that it will invariably be Indian coaches who get the best results since they know the players – their strengths, weaknesses, and temperament – and understand the nuances of Indian cricket better than any foreigner, however accomplished he or she may be.”
The 2025 Triumph: A Unique Legacy
Gavaskar explained why he sees the 2025 victory as distinct from the men’s 1983 triumph. While both were incredible, their contexts differed significantly.
“There were some who tried to compare this win with the men’s team winning the World Cup in 1983,” Gavaskar noted. “The men had never progressed beyond the group stage in earlier editions, and so everything from the knockout stage onward was new to them.”
The women’s team, conversely, had a strong track record. They had previously reached two ODI finals in 2005 and 2017, and the T20 World Cup final in 2020.
Key Differences Highlighted by Gavaskar:
- The 1983 men’s team was a complete underdog, with no prior knockout stage experience.
- The Indian women’s team had already demonstrated global potential, reaching multiple finals.
- While both were historic, the women’s victory built on a foundation of previous strong performances.
Igniting a New Era for Women’s Cricket
Despite the contextual differences, Gavaskar fully acknowledges the monumental achievement of Harmanpreet’s team. He draws a powerful parallel regarding its impact.
“Just as the ’83 win galvanised Indian cricket and gave it a voice that was heard around the world, this victory will make the countries that started women’s cricket long before India did realise that their era of domination has been shaken,” he stated.
The 1983 victory also encouraged parents to let their children pursue cricket as a career. The 2025 win is set to have a similar, transformative effect.
“Similarly, this win will give new wings to women’s cricket, bringing more girls into the game from the remotest parts of India,” Gavaskar added.
The success of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) had already begun this shift. Now, parents increasingly view cricket as a genuine career option for their daughters, fostering greater support.
Conclusion: A Spark for the Next Generation
While the men’s 1983 World Cup created a cricketing revolution, Sunil Gavaskar firmly believes Harmanpreet Kaur’s World Cup-winning side has lit an equally potent spark for women’s cricket in India. This historic triumph promises to inspire countless young girls across the nation to pick up a bat and ball, envisioning their own path to glory.