Harmanpreet Kaur Receives Advice from Sachin Tendulkar Before Final

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 7, 2025 – Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of the Indian women's cricket team, revealed that she received encouraging words from cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar prior to the pivotal ICC Women's World Cup final against South Africa. During a phone call, Tendulkar shared his experiences from significant World Cup matches and advised the team to maintain composure and patience in the high-pressure environment.

After a hard-fought tournament, Kaur’s team claimed their first-ever 50-over World Cup title on November 2, defeating South Africa by 52 runs at a sold-out DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. This victory marked a historic achievement for Indian women's cricket, as it was the first time a female Indian captain had lifted a World Cup trophy in any format.

Reflecting on the phone call, Kaur mentioned, "The night before the match, Sachin sir called. He shared his experience and asked us to keep our balance. When the game is going fast, just slow it down a little. Try and control it because when you go too fast, chances are you can stumble. That’s what we need to avoid." She emphasised the importance of staying composed and taking advice from seasoned players as they approached their moment of glory.

The final was an emotional culmination for the team, which had faced challenges and setbacks in previous tournaments. As Harmanpreet caught the final wicket, it unleashed a wave of joy and relief, culminating in a celebration that combined tears of happiness and disbelief. "I still cannot believe it," Kaur expressed, highlighting the surreal nature of their achievement. "Whenever we see each other, we are just saying, 'world champion'. It is a very different feeling. We were waiting for the time when we would feel this way."

Kaur’s journey to this historic victory has been marked by both triumphs and struggles, including scrutiny over her performance and leadership. Yet, her pivotal role in leading her team to this moment has solidified her position among the greats of Indian cricket. The captain noted the emotional significance of lifting the trophy with her parents present, stating, "For me, it was a very special moment to lift the World Cup trophy with them. Since my childhood, they have heard me say that I want to wear India's jersey, play for the country, lead the team and win the World Cup."

Looking ahead, Kaur acknowledged the weight of their accomplishment, stating, "To be honest, I am not able to think about this right now. Maybe, I will realise after a few months what we have achieved. What we have given our country. I cannot process this right now." The team is expected to take time to fully appreciate the significance of their victory, as Kaur likened the experience to winning a bilateral series rather than a World Cup.

As Harmanpreet Kaur and her team bask in their historic win, they have not only made their mark in women's cricket but also inspired future generations of athletes in India and beyond. The triumph stands as a testament to their hard work, resilience, and the continued growth of women's sports in the country.