News
Ripple Effects Of This WC Win Will Be Felt For Generations: Head Coach Amol Muzumdar
Follow UsOn Sunday, India women lifted the WC title for the first time in the country's history
14 and a half years ago, Mumbai witnessed arguably the most special moment in Indian cricket history as the Indian men’s team lifted the World Cup trophy for the first time in 28 years, in front of a packed Wankhede. The emotions poured through and there was never-seen-before euphoria that ended up bringing the entire country together.
On November 2nd (Sunday), Mumbai was once again at the heart of it all as the Indian women’s side scripted history by lifting the World Cup title for the first time ever. And, yet again, never-seen-before scenes were witnessed as the D.Y Patil Stadium was packed, with over 40,000 pouring tears of joy as the women’s team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, scripted history.
In the aftermath of the win, the team’s head coach Amol Muzumdar asserted that this is the kind of win that will not just have an immediate impact, but inspire generations to come.
“It’s a watershed moment. The ripple effects will be felt for generations,” Muzumdar said, reported News18.
“I’m speechless. Absolutely proud. They deserve every bit of this moment. The hard work, the belief — they’ve made every Indian proud.”
It was a flawless game from the hosts, who were near-perfect on all three fronts, but Muzumdar couldn’t help but be in awe of the fielding effort displayed by the side. On the night, India took some extraordinary catches, and it was also a direct hit that helped them break the crucial opening stand and get things up and running.
“That [fielding] was one thing we spoke a lot about in the dressing room. They just turned it up today. I couldn’t have asked for more,” he said.
The former Mumbai cricketer also lavished praise on young Shafali Verma, who, coming into the side in the very last minute, produced one of the greatest knockout performances witnessed in ODIs across genders.
She hit 87 off 78 with the bat in hand and then took 2/36 off the 7 overs she bowled. And she did all that playing just her second match of the tournament, having walked in as a late replacement for the injured Pratika Rawal.
“One word for Shafali — magical,” Muzumdar said. “Semi-final, final, packed stadium, all the pressure — she turns up every time. Runs, wickets, catches, everything. Couldn’t be prouder.”