Sulakshana Naik, a seasoned player who has participated in two ODI World Cups, voiced her strong belief in the Indian women’s team’s capability to win the forthcoming tournament. However, she pinpointed her primary concern: their ability to effectively manage the immense pressure and high expectations that inevitably accompany such a major event. The Women’s ODI World Cup is scheduled to commence on September 30, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
“This side is absolutely capable of winning the World Cup. The only thing I am worried about is handling the pressure. They shouldn’t take the pressure,” Naik stated during a World Cup trophy tour event held at the Mumbai Cricket Association’s (MCA) Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy in Mumbai on Monday, September 15, 2025.
Naik, who is also a distinguished member of the BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee, recounted a valuable piece of advice she once received from the legendary Sandeep Patil, a champion of the 1983 Men’s World Cup. She had approached him during her decade-long international career seeking guidance on how to withstand intense match pressure.
“He offered me a straightforward piece of advice: ‘Get used to it’ is all he said. The men are accustomed to it; they don’t let it affect them,” Naik elaborated, drawing a parallel between the experiences.
In a gesture to honor women’s cricket history and inspire future generations, the MCA also unveiled a ‘Wall of Fame’ at the academy. This impressive display features photographs of all 32 women who have captained Mumbai teams to date, aiming to motivate promising female cricketers.