Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of the victorious Indian Women’s ODI team, has revealed a crucial piece of advice from cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar that significantly impacted their 2025 World Cup win. Tendulkar contacted the team the evening before their final against South Africa, sharing his personal insights on navigating the immense pressure of a World Cup final. He advised the players to remain calm and composed, urging them to control the game’s tempo rather than be swept up by its intensity.
Recalling the conversation, Kaur highlighted Tendulkar’s wisdom: ‘He shared his experience and asked us to keep our balance. When the game is going fast, just slow it down a little.’ This advice resonated with Kaur, who also drew strength from the counsel of senior players. The team followed this guidance, ultimately defeating South Africa by 52 runs to secure India’s first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup. The emotional climax of the match saw Kaur take the winning catch. The captain expressed the overwhelming joy and disbelief of being world champions, a moment she had long dreamed of, especially with her parents watching. She confessed that the full realization of their historic achievement is still unfolding, feeling more like a dream than reality at present.
The post-match celebrations featured a touching tribute to past greats, with Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami, who were part of previous World Cup final teams, invited to lift the trophy. Kaur shared the team’s deep desire to win for Raj and Goswami, particularly after their disappointment in the 2022 campaign. The team had committed to ensuring their former teammates could celebrate with them this time. Kaur also emphasized the invaluable support received from former players and coaches, including those who guided her early career, underscoring that this triumph was a collective endeavor rooted in the aspirations of all who had represented India.