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From Resilience to Riches: WV Raman on India Women’s Historic World Cup Victory

Meta Description: Former coach WV Raman dissects India Women’s Cricket Team’s triumphant World Cup campaign. Discover the journey, team evolution, impact of WPL, and future of women’s cricket.

India’s women’s cricket team has etched its name in history, celebrating a glorious World Cup triumph that has captivated the nation. The victory signifies not just a title, but a testament to years of dedication, growth, and unwavering spirit.

Amidst the jubilation, former India opener and coach WV Raman, who guided the team to the T20 World Cup final in 2020, offers a fascinating perspective. He shares insights into the team’s evolution and the journey to this monumental success.

The Evolution of a Winning Squad

The journey to the top is rarely linear. Raman reflects on the team’s progression since their last ICC final appearance, where they were overwhelmed by Australia at the MCG in 2020.

Building on Experience and Continuity

“There is no point in connecting events [from 2020 to now],” Raman explains. “A lot of cricket has been played by this team since then. They have got valuable experience of playing against top teams.”

A key factor in their success has been the stability within the squad. “The good thing is that 70-80% of the team that played in the T20 World Cup final in 2020 is still around. Continuity always helps,” he adds.

This consistent core group fosters understanding and cohesion, making it “easier for captain Harmanpreet Kaur.” Raman draws parallels with the formidable Australian women’s team, known for retaining players for several years.

Overcoming Critics: The Power of Resilience

Before their World Cup heroics, the India Women’s team faced harsh criticism, even losing three matches consecutively. This campaign, according to Raman, holds immense significance.

The Unwavering Spirit of the Team

“People in India like to harp on the negatives,” Raman states. “When they lost three games, they still had a bright chance of qualifying for the semis. Yet, people chose to write them off.”

Their incredible comeback proved their mettle. “By bouncing back, they have provided proof that they are not pushovers,” he asserts. Raman has always believed in their potential, adding, “I have always maintained that only India can challenge the mighty Australians. It was a matter of being ‘so close yet so far’. They turned it around this time.”

Laying the Foundation: A New Era for Women’s Cricket

The transformation of women’s cricket in India is not an overnight phenomenon. Raman points to crucial developments that laid the groundwork for this success.

The Role of Grassroots and Professional Leagues

Before coaching the women’s team, Raman worked at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) when Rahul Dravid was at its helm. This period marked a significant shift:

• Revitalised Programmes: A range of programmes were initiated, giving importance to U-19 cricket and ‘A’ tours for women.
• NCA Access: The NCA opened its doors to women cricketers from across the country.
• Global and Domestic Leagues: The U-19 World Cup for women began, followed by the groundbreaking Women’s Premier League (WPL).

“Suddenly, there was a lot more exposure for girls,” Raman notes. “The pool of players increased, and the girls learnt to deal with pressure situations more often.”

Bridging the Gap: High-Performance Training

Access to top-tier facilities and training was once a hurdle for the women’s team. This has changed dramatically, contributing significantly to their improved performance.

From Doubt to Dominance: High-Performance Training

Raman recalls a time when the team “didn’t believe it was capable of playing T20 cricket” due to a lack of high-performance facilities. This gap has now been effectively filled.

Playing top teams like Australia and England more frequently, coupled with dedicated training, built their confidence and skill. “They went through high-performance training for a year and played a high-profile tri-series in Australia in the lead-up to that T20 World Cup before eventually making the final,” he recounts.

Individual Brilliance: The Jemimah Rodrigues Story

Individual player development is crucial, and Jemimah Rodrigues stands out as a prime example of resilience and growth.

Dropped from the team last year after a “long rope,” Rodrigues’s journey back is inspiring. “Sometimes the greatest lessons are learnt from the harshest punishments,” Raman observes. “Experience can only come if you go through different situations.”

Her recent performances, particularly her stellar innings in the semifinal, have transformed her status. “She was already a star when she played for India. She has become a superstar with the innings she played in the semifinal,” Raman proudly states.

The Harmanpreet Factor and Beyond: Impact on Women’s Game

Harmanpreet Kaur’s iconic 171* against Australia in the 2017 World Cup semifinal was a turning point. Raman elaborates on how this victory will further accelerate the growth of women’s cricket.

Sustaining Growth: Pay Parity and Future Prospects

Raman dismisses the notion of linking pay parity to output, asserting it as a fundamental right. “Pay parity shouldn’t be a discussion. That doesn’t guarantee output. That is their right,” he emphasizes.

Indeed, Harmanpreet’s explosive knock was a catalyst. “A lot of things started to move after Harman’s knock. Money came into women’s cricket,” he confirms.

With pay parity and the WPL now firmly established, more girls are choosing cricket as a viable career. Raman anticipates a future with “more international fixtures,” highlighting that “Women’s cricket is the best vehicle for cricket to grow worldwide.”

Conclusion

The India Women’s Cricket Team’s World Cup victory is more than just a trophy; it’s a culmination of strategic development, unwavering team spirit, and individual brilliance. As WV Raman’s insights reveal, this success is built on continuity, high-performance training, and the transformative impact of initiatives like the NCA and WPL. This triumph not only celebrates the current squad but also paves the way for a brighter, more prominent future for women’s cricket globally.

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