Follow UsFormer Indian captain and cricketing icon Virat Kohli lavished praise on the Indian Women’s team after they lifted their maiden ICC Women’s ODI World Cup trophy, defeating South Africa in the final on November 2 (Sunday). Calling the victory historic, Kohli said the team “deserve all the applause” for their hard work and achievement.
This was India’s third appearance in an ODI World Cup final, having fallen short in 2005 (Centurion) and 2017 (Lord’s). They also reached the 2020 T20 World Cup final in Melbourne but were beaten by Australia. This time, under Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership, they finally broke the barrier and scripted history at home.
Kohli, who has retired from Tests and T20Is, expressed his pride and admiration in an Instagram post: “The girls have created history and I couldn’t be more proud as an Indian to see the hard work of so many years come to life finally. They deserve all the applause and a big congratulations to Harman and the whole team for achieving this historic feat.
“Also congratulations to the whole squad and the management for the work behind the scenes. Well done India. Enjoy the moment to the fullest. This will inspire generations of girls to take up the sport in our country. Jai Hind.”
Meanwhile, Sachin Tendulkar, who was present at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy for the final, also penned a heartfelt message, drawing parallels with India’s 1983 men’s triumph that inspired a generation.
“1983 inspired an entire generation to dream big and chase those dreams. Today, our Women’s Cricket Team has done something truly special," wrote Tendulkar.
"They have inspired countless young girls across the country to pick up a bat and ball, take the field and believe that they too can lift that trophy one day. This is a defining moment in the journey of Indian women’s cricket. Well done, Team India. You’ve made the whole nation proud.”
For Tendulkar, the moment was reminiscent of his own journey - he had to wait 22 years to win a World Cup in 2011, the same year Kohli lifted his first major ICC trophy. Kohli later added another milestone in 2024, winning his maiden T20 World Cup before bowing out of the format.