The night before the ICC Women’s World Cup final, a call came that Harmanpreet Kaur never expected. On the other end was the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, offering invaluable wisdom to help the Indian team navigate the immense pressure of their biggest match.
Sachin Tendulkar’s Timely Advice to Harmanpreet Kaur
In an exclusive reveal during The ICC Review, Harmanpreet recounted the memorable conversation. Sachin’s words were a grounding force for the team.
Staying Grounded Under Pressure
“The night before the match, Sachin sir called,” Harmanpreet shared. “He shared his experience and asked us to keep our balance. When the game is going fast, just slow it down a little.”
Tendulkar’s advice was clear: “Try and control it because when you go too fast, chances are you can stumble. That’s what we need to avoid.” This counsel proved crucial for the team’s composure.
The Euphoria of Being World Champions
Five days after India’s historic triumph over South Africa in Navi Mumbai, Harmanpreet is still processing the magnitude of her side’s achievement.
“Whenever we are seeing each other, we are just saying, ‘world champion’. It’s a very different feeling,” she smiled, reflecting on the team’s shared joy.
A Dream Fulfilled
For Harmanpreet, the victory was deeply personal. Her parents were present to witness the historic moment.
“My mother and father were there. It was a very special moment to lift the World Cup trophy with them,” she stated. “Since my childhood, they have heard me say that I want to wear India’s jersey, play for the country, lead the team and win the World Cup.”
Harmanpreet Joins Cricket’s Elite Captains
Harmanpreet now stands alongside Kapil Dev (1983) and MS Dhoni (2011) as one of only three Indian captains to lift a senior ODI World Cup – and the very first woman to do so.
The Reality Yet to Sink In
Despite this monumental achievement, the skipper admits the full weight of reality hasn’t quite settled.
“To be honest, I can’t process this right now,” she confessed. “Maybe after a few months I’ll realise what we’ve given our country. It still feels like we’ve just won a bilateral series and are heading home.”
Key Architects of India’s Triumph
Reflecting on her team’s success, Harmanpreet was quick to credit several key players who were instrumental in securing the historic win:
- Smriti Mandhana: A consistent force at the top order.
- Deepti Sharma: The tournament’s standout all-rounder.
- Shafali Verma: A young talent who delivered under pressure.
The Impact of Smriti Mandhana
On Mandhana’s role, Harmanpreet added, “Her contribution will always be remembered. Whenever she bats, we all pray she gets a century — because when she gets runs, everything else just falls into place.”
Shafali Verma’s Crucial Contribution
Harmanpreet highlighted Shafali’s composure. “Shafali was familiar with the pressure and the stage. When that partnership was building, we gave her an over — and she got us two back-to-back wickets,” she recalled.
Deepti Sharma’s Breakthrough Performance
Of Deepti Sharma, the tournament’s standout performer, Harmanpreet noted a significant shift. “All she needed was a push. Somewhere we all felt she was holding herself back. Now she believes — and that belief has changed everything.”
Conclusion: A New Era for Indian Women’s Cricket
Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership, coupled with the invaluable wisdom from cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar and the stellar performances of her teammates, has ushered in a glorious new chapter for Indian women’s cricket. This World Cup victory is not just a trophy; it’s a testament to belief, resilience, and the power of a united team.