Head coach Amol Muzumdar played down comparisons with the movie Chak De India after guiding India to their first ICC Women’s World Cup title on Sunday. India beat South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final to lift the trophy for the first time in 13 tournaments.
The win meant Harmanpreet Kaur’s side finally ended years of heartbreak, including runners-up finishes in 2005 and 2017. India became only the fourth side to win the Women’s World Cup, joining Australia, England and New Zealand.
Chasing India’s 298 for 7, South Africa were bowled out for 246, of the valid 101 flons of Captain Laura Wolfardt. Deepti Sharma played an all-round performance, scoring 55 and taking 5 for 39, while Shafali Verma hit 87 and took two wickets.
When we talk after the win, Muzumdar acknowledged the emotional response to the team’s journey, but rejected suggestions of film inspiration.
“Chak de India, frankly, I’m not about dramas. I speak from the heart,” said Muzumdar. “If there are parallels, there are parallels. I can’t help it.”
Muzumdar explained that his huddle talks during the campaign were deliberate and focused on building clarity and unity.
‘7,’
A dream come true, but the journey continues. #TeamIndiaWorld Cup-winning head coach Amol Muzumdar reflects on the emotions and spirit that shaped an unforgettable campaign – pic.twitter.com/bRLrIjye4Z— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) November 8, 2025
“In the semi-final, I always knew what I was going to talk about. The energy flows from the treat. We blocked out all the noise and created our own bubble,” he said.
However, he revealed that the final huddle speech was completely spontaneous.
“In the final it was completely improvised. I just tapped myself on the shoulder and told myself to say what I was feeling at that moment,” he said.
For captain Harmanpreet Kaur, triumph marked the end of a long chase for a global title that had been part of India’s previous hearts.
“It was a long wait but the team believed,” she said after lifting the trophy to loud celebrations in Navi Mumbai.
For Muzumdar, who has enjoyed a prolific domestic career but has never played Test cricket for India, the achievement has a personal meaning.
The coach said there was only one thing that mattered on the night.
“We wrote our own story,” he said.
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
November 8, 2025
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