World Cup win gives local women cricketers wings to fly

Ranchi: Budding female cricketers from Jharkhand are drawing inspiration from the Indian cricket team’s maiden ICC Women’s World Cup victory on Sunday night.A day after the historic win by Harmanpreet Kaur’s team, Khusboo Kumari, a cricketer from Bokaro, said, “The victory clinched by the women-in-blue reaffirmed that with determination and hard work, everything can be achieved.”Khusboo, who is a part of the state women’s cricket squad, said, “The way they performed in this tournament has set an example for budding players like us. I and my fellow players are deeply motivated. I believe after this historic victory, more numbers of youngsters, especially girls, will come forward to join cricket and put their efforts to bring laurels for the country.”Khushboo is training for the upcoming U-23 state women’s tournament. “Motivated by the win, I will give my best in the upcoming tournament to bring laurels to Jharkhand,” the all-rounder added.Another aspiring cricketer, Ahana Roi from Ranchi, said that she has started idolising Shafali Verma after her majestic performance at the final match on Sunday.“Despite being included in the squad on the eve of the World Cup semifinal against Australia, she exhibited a remarkable performance and smoothed the team’s way to lift the Cup. I dream of becoming like her and play for the Indian national team and become a part of another World Cup-winning squad,” Ahana, a 16-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, said.Shubh Lakshmi Sharma, a former India player who is the coach of the state U-23 squad, said the triumph marks a turning point for women’s cricket in India.“This victory will not only inspire upcoming players but also encourage their parents to support them in pursuing the sport. Jharkhand too has immense potential in cricket, and many talented girls are coming forward to join the game. After this victory, the numbers will go high,” she said.Shubh Lakshmi was part of the Indian squads in three World Cups, including two T20s in 2012 and 2014, and one ODI tournament in 2013, hosted by India.