It was literally a win with blood, sweat and tears. With Indian women’s cricket team led by Harmanpreet Kaur creating history by lifting the prestigious ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, the question plaguing the minds of over one billion Bharatiyas is how did this unexpected victory came given the fact that all these years this underdog team was mocked, ridiculed and castigated by some cricket commentators and even critical public.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s childhood dream materialised as Indian women cricketers clinched their maiden World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 52 runs.
Recalling her humble beginnings with a modified bat, Kaur emphasised the power of unwavering dreams and perseverance. That our women players overcame all obstacles, both literally and figuratively, on the field and off the field to emerge triumphant is now seen by millions of cricket lovers, who had been taking women cricketers for granted, as valuable assets to the nation. The Indian team demonstrated that they are the epitome of fearless brand of cricket, professionalism and remarkable fitness. Unlike other teams, our women cricketers have redefined boundaries.
PM showers Praise
As World Cup-winners were feted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, it was a moment of national pride. Indeed, they have now become the pride of the nation. Prime Minister congratulated them for demonstrating exemplary mental strength to bounce back from successive defeats and scripting history by lifting the trophy.
Curious Parents Are Inundating Coaches
Meanwhile, many parents, who were investing in fulfilling cricket dreams of their sons, are now eager to push their daughters into the sport that is sought after in many corners of the globe, particularly the sub-continent.
Barakhambha Road
Parents, who were encouraging their male progenies to learn intricacies of the gentleman’s game, are now queuing up at cricket academies.
Good thing take time. Similarly, cricket requires years of practice overcoming vagaries of weather and creating a balance between academics and the sport. Even legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was coached at Shivaji Park in Mumbai by Ramakant Vitthal Achrekar. This international maiden victory by our women cricketers, has come as an encouragement to lakhs of girl students who are getting education not only in Government and private schools in urban cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai but also in second tier cities and villages. This game reaches out across metros and even at grassroots.
Good Coaching is the Key
Speaking to Organiser, Saraswati, a teacher in Delhi Public School, explains how she is fulfilling her wish to make her daughter a cricketer. It means taking her 16-year-old daughter to two coaching classes – one to school and another to the academy. “It entails a lot of travelling. Firstly, I have to wake up at 4 am to prepare lunch for my daughter Meenakshi. In Delhi’s heat I have to wait for four hours at Dronacharya Academy.”
According to Amrinder Singh, son of Gurcharan Singh, Padma Shri winner and nonagenarian cricket trainer who mentored Kapil Dev and other Indian players like Kirti Azad, Vivek Razdan, Ajay Jadeja and Maninder Singh, a number of calls are coming for admission at Dronacharya Cricket Academy at Vivek Vihar. “We will soon be launching Girl Child, a one long month camp for budding girl cricketers”.
Coaching in cricket has mostly been confined to boys. But with this victory, girls are making a beeline for the sport. “With this win, I am sure that many more girls will take interest in this sport and win laurels for the country in future,” says Amrinder Singh, while interacting with Organiser.
Setting up High Benchmark
With the Indian women’s cricket team led by Harmanpreet Kaur creating history by lifting the prestigious ICC Women’s World Cup, it seems that they have set a very high standard that will be difficult to fulfil by future women cricketers.
Concurring with this assessment, Priyanka Sisodia, Head of Sports at Modern School Barakhambha Road, says, “Absolutely, Harmanpreet Kaur and her team have set an extraordinary benchmark, both in terms of skill and temperament. Their World Cup victory has not only raised the bar but also opened up the imagination of young girls across the country.”
Focus on fitness is paramount given the fact that catches win matches. In the recent ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, a brilliant catch was taken by Indian cricketer Amanjot Kaur
Rather than feeling pressured, Priyanka, while speaking to Organiser, sees this as an inspiration for upcoming cricketers. “The win has shown what’s possible with discipline, dedication, and belief. The next generation now has role models to look up to and a clear vision of what excellence looks like.”
Holistic Vision
According to Pramod Choudhary, who coaches girl cricketers at Bal Bhavan Public School, Mayur Vihar Phase II, Harmanpreet’s cricket team has truly set a new benchmark by lifting the World Cup. Their historic triumph reflects years of dedication, discipline and resilience. It also symbolises the remarkable growth of women’s cricket across nook and cranny of India. “While it may seem that they have set a very high standard for future generations, such achievements do not create barriers, they open new possibilities. This victory will serve as a powerful source of inspiration for young girls across the country, motivating them to pursue cricket with greater passion and belief,” adds Pramod.
Physical & Mental Conditioning
Grooming young cricketers requires a holistic approach. Therefore, Priyanka focuses on three main areas — technical, tactical, and physical development. Emphasis is on solid basics — batting stance, footwork, timing, and consistency in bowling action. “We simulate match scenarios to improve game awareness and decision-making under pressure. Interestingly, the fitness programme includes strength training, agility drills, and endurance sessions that are designed to match the stamina levels of boys.”Mental conditioning, staying composed in tight situations and learning to handle both success and failure gracefully, is also taught.
at Bal Bhavan Public School, Mayur Vihar Phase II
Focus on fitness is paramount given the fact that catches win matches. In the recent ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, a brilliant catch was taken by Indian cricketer Amanjot Kaur. In fact, it was a game-changing dismissal to take the wicket of South African captain, Laura Wolvaardt, who with a century under her belt was threatening to win the match for her team. The wicket of Wolvaardt was a turning point that shifted the momentum firmly in India’s favour, leading to its maiden World Cup triumph by 52 runs.The extraordinary catch, which Amanjot described as the “toughest catch of my life,” occurred in the 42nd over. It involved her juggling the ball before completing a full-length dive to secure it. “Amanjot’s game-changing catch has never been more relevant. It is the perfect example of how athleticism, reflex and endurance can turn the course of a match,” says Pramod.
In Sync with the Caribbean Storm
Such moments are created through hours of focused training and discipline, says Priyanka. Swashbuckling West Indian hitter Chris Gayle, some years ago, had told this writer that fitness is the key to success in cricket. Fitness is also Priyanka’s favorite area; she believes it lays the foundation for every sport. “We dedicate almost 40 per cent of our weekly sessions to physical fitness — strength, flexibility, and agility. Fielding drills, especially catching and reflex exercises, are integral. We make it a point to replicate match intensity in practice sessions,” adds Priyanka, who personally did a lot of assignments with the National Cricket Academy as Fitness Expert.
Comments