A historic win that reshaped the narrative
India’s 52-run win over South Africa in the Women’s World Cup final not only delivered the country’s first ever title in the format but also marked a turning point for women’s cricket in India. The emotional victory, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, followed two heartbreaking final losses in 2005 and 2017. This time, the team held their nerve, sealing their legacy on the global stage.
Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar offered high praise for the side, while also steering the conversation away from direct comparisons with the men’s 1983 World Cup win. According to him, this moment belongs entirely to the women who have fought their own battles for recognition and respect.
Gavaskar on the deeper significance of the triumph
Writing in his column for The Sportstar, Gavaskar reflected on how this victory symbolized the value of homegrown insight and strategic coaching:
“The win once again emphasised, if ever it was needed, that sporting intelligence wins trophies, not fancy degrees from universities. It also proves that it will invariably be Indian coaches who get the best results since they know the players – their strengths, weaknesses, and temperament – and understand the nuances of Indian cricket better than any foreigner, however accomplished he or she may be.”
He acknowledged the temptation to compare this win to India’s iconic 1983 men’s triumph, but cautioned against drawing equivalencies:
“There were some who tried to compare this win with the men’s team winning the World Cup in 1983. The men had never progressed beyond the group stage in earlier editions, and so everything from the knockout stage onward was new to them, while the women already had a better record, having been in two finals before this magnificent triumph.”
Still, he noted that the larger impact of the victory echoes the transformation Indian cricket underwent post-1983:
“Just as the ’83 win galvanised Indian cricket and gave it a voice that was heard around the world, this victory will make the countries that started women’s cricket long before India did realise that their era of domination has been shaken. The ’83 win also encouraged parents of aspiring cricketers to let their children take up the game.”
Gavaskar believes the effect will now be felt across the country:
“Similarly, this win will give new wings to women’s cricket, bringing more girls into the game from the remotest parts of India. The WPL has already begun that process, as parents now see the sport as a genuine career option for their daughters and are more willing to support them.”
He concluded the column with a message of celebration:
“This is a win to savour, a win to cherish, a win for the ages. Well done, Harmanpreet Kaur and the girls. You have made the country proud — may this be the first of many trophies to come to India.”
A team forged through resilience and momentum
Speaking to Sports Today, Gavaskar shared his first emotional reaction to the final:
“This is a victory for the ages — one that will rank among the greatest in Indian cricket history. The semi-final win against Australia and now this one against South Africa — absolutely terrific.”
The former India captain admitted he was deeply moved:
“Well, it was overwhelming. Truly overwhelming. The joy was immense because our girls have really worked hard.”
Gavaskar emphasized the journey the team had endured:
“They’ve been under so much pressure over the years — reaching finals early but never quite crossing the line. This time, they did it. And they did it in style.”
He credited the team for showing composure and dominance in the final:
“Winning by more than 50 runs shows it was a comprehensive victory, not a close one. This was a team that had beaten them earlier in the league stage, but India put that behind them and came back stronger to claim a famous win.”
Growth rooted in years of steady progress
For Gavaskar, this win wasn’t an overnight success but a milestone in a steady climb:
“In terms of winning a World Cup, yes, this is a huge milestone. But women’s cricket in India has been on the upswing for quite some time now.”
He pointed out the historical trajectory of the team:
“If you look back, the 1983 men’s team reached the final and won for the first time — similarly, the Indian women’s team reached the finals in 2005 and 2017. So they’ve been progressing steadily. Yes, they stumbled at the final hurdle a couple of times, sometimes even in the semi-finals, but the rise has been consistent.”
Gavaskar praised the evolving ecosystem that now supports women cricketers:
“What’s really made a difference in the last four or five years is how they’ve been made to feel — not just among the best, but the best.”
He noted the structural shifts that helped accelerate progress:
“Their match fees are now on par with the men’s team. The WPL has given many of our girls recognition and financial rewards through the auctions.”
And finally, he acknowledged the BCCI’s role in shaping a sustainable path:
“And the BCCI has played a massive role in this growth — organizing overseas tours, bilateral series, 50-over games, and junior tournaments. So while we must celebrate the girls for this incredible achievement, we should also acknowledge the BCCI for creating the structure and opportunities that allowed them to perform at their best.”
Looking ahead
As India revels in this historic milestone, Gavaskar’s words highlight more than just a victory. They frame the triumph as a product of years of persistence, evolving support systems, and a new belief in what women’s cricket can achieve. While comparisons with past glories may arise, this win, much like the team itself, deserves to be seen on its own remarkable terms.
