A meeting that celebrated vision beyond sight
Fresh from their groundbreaking victory at the inaugural T20 World Cup for the visually challenged, India’s women’s blind cricket team received a special honour as they met cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar on Tuesday at the MIG Cricket Club in Mumbai.
The interaction lasted nearly an hour, during which Tendulkar congratulated the players personally, listened to their stories, signed autographs, and posed for photographs. The team also presented him with an autographed bat — a token of gratitude and mutual respect.
According to the organisers, Tendulkar used the occasion to offer a heartfelt message about the journey ahead.
“The legend reminded the team that success brings with it greater responsibility. He said expectations would rise, and meeting them would demand even harder work and sharper focus,” the organisers said in a statement.
He also underscored that the victory should serve as a launching point, not the conclusion.
“Emphasising that the World Cup victory was not an endpoint, he described it as the beginning of a longer journey, one that now carries the weight of inspiration for countless others,” the statement added.
Emotions from the team and the governing body
Speaking after the meeting, Deepika TC, captain of the Indian women’s blind cricket team, shared her emotional reaction to the moment.
“Meeting Sachin Sir was like a dream come true. We have always played with passion and belief, but hearing words of encouragement from him has touched our hearts deeply. This moment will stay with us for life and will motivate us to work even harder and carry Indian cricket to greater heights.”
Dr. G.K. Mahantesh, President of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), also spoke after the event, calling the meeting a defining moment for the sport.
“Sachin Tendulkar meeting our World Cup-winning women’s team is a moment we will cherish forever. His encouragement means more than words can express for our players.”
The moment, he suggested, was about more than individual recognition — it symbolised a broader validation of blind cricket in India. For many within the ecosystem, such acknowledgment from a figure like Tendulkar represents a turning point in visibility, belief, and long-term support for the sport.
“When a legend of his stature acknowledges their journey and extends his support, it gives immense confidence, not just to this team, but to the entire blind cricket ecosystem in India,” he added.
A tribute shared with the world
After the in-person interaction, Tendulkar took to Instagram to publicly share his reflections and admiration for the team. His post captured the spirit of the occasion and highlighted the deeper meaning behind their success.
“Most have eyesight, but only a few have true vision. I had the chance to meet these remarkable young visually challenged women who made India proud,” Tendulkar wrote in his Instagram post.
He went on to commend the inner strength that powered their journey.
“Their courage, discipline, and belief are a testament to the fact that this game is felt and lived, and that nothing should deter anyone from making it their own.”
He emphasized how the team’s grit had transformed perceptions of the sport itself.
“With their grit and determination, they have changed the narrative of how we experience the game.”
Their achievement, he said, extended far beyond just winning a trophy.
“They have made history on the world stage and inspired the next generation to believe that no dream is beyond reach.”
Tendulkar concluded with a message of recognition for all who contributed to the campaign.
“Congratulations to the entire team and support staff on winning the inaugural T20 Women’s World Cup for visually challenged.”
Dominance that defined a championship
India’s title-winning run in Colombo was marked by complete dominance across formats and opponents. They opened their campaign with confident wins over Sri Lanka and Australia. Against Pakistan, they chased down 136 in just 10.2 overs — a statement win that reflected their aggressive intent and flawless execution.
In the semi-final, India crushed Australia by nine wickets, setting up a final against Nepal. The bowlers held Nepal to 114/5, before the batters finished the chase with ease in just 13 overs. Phula Saren starred with a blistering 44 off 27 balls, while Karuna K added 42 off 27. Saren was named Player of the Match for her outstanding performance.
National pride and rising recognition
Upon their return to India, the team was welcomed in New Delhi, where they met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The players gifted the Prime Minister an autographed bat, and he reciprocated with a signed cricket ball, praising their discipline, composure, and resilience.
That recognition continued with Tendulkar’s tribute, a gesture that not only celebrated a team but amplified the voice of an entire community. In one historic campaign and an unforgettable meeting, India’s women’s blind cricket team proved that the spirit of cricket truly goes beyond what the eyes can see.
