NEW DELHI: Former India captain and iconic all-rounder Kapil Dev has publicly thrown his full support behind the Indian women’s cricket team. As they prepare for the highly anticipated ICC Women’s ODI World Cup final against South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai this Sunday, Dev’s message resonates with immense confidence.
India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her teammates. (PTI Photo)
In a heartfelt message delivered on Star Sports, the legendary 1983 World Cup-winning skipper didn’t just praise Harmanpreet Kaur’s squad; he declared them superior to his own iconic team. “The Indian women’s cricket team has played exceptionally well against Australia. Many people compare them to the 1983 team. However, I believe such comparisons are unnecessary. The women’s team is superior and plays with great intelligence,” Kapil stated, emphasizing that the current side has elevated the standard of the game.
He further added, “Their style of cricket has elevated the game’s standard. The captain and the rest of the team are playing at a different level. I hope the upcoming final will be even better.”
The former all-rounder urged fans to look beyond just the outcome and truly appreciate the high-quality cricket the team has showcased throughout the tournament. “I understand that to some extent you want victory, but the kind of cricket they play should be discussed more,” he said. “Winning would bring more happiness. However, playing good cricket, as they have been doing, is also highly valued.”
Kapil concluded with a powerful message for the entire nation: “I want to extend my best wishes to the entire team, not just from me, but from all of India who wants these girls to play better. If they win, there will be even more happiness, but if they play good cricket like they have been, that will be an achievement in itself.”
Sunday’s final is set to be a historic event. Both India and South Africa are striving for their maiden Women’s ODI World Cup title. The eventual winner will become only the fourth team ever – following Australia, England, and New Zealand – to lift this prestigious trophy. While this marks South Africa’s first appearance in a 50-over World Cup final, India will be playing in their third, having previously lost the summit clashes in 2005 and 2017.
With cricketing powerhouses Australia and England already eliminated from the competition, the stage is perfectly set for Harmanpreet’s team to author an unforgettable chapter in cricketing history – a chapter Kapil Dev firmly believes they are more than ready to write.