'If India are to win, every player must step up, not just Smriti or Harmanpreet' – Ex-India captain

Former India women’s captain Diana Edulji has expressed her belief in the transformative impact India’s victory in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup could have on women’s cricket. Speaking from Guwahati, she said, “If India do win, this will have a similar impact to the Indian men’s triumph in the 1983 World Cup. It will change the face of women’s cricket, its history and geography in India. You will see a lot more young girls playing cricket, and the domestic structure will grow.”

Edulji, 69, currently an advisor for women’s cricket to the Mumbai Cricket Association, was invited by the BCCI, along with other former India captains, for the opening ceremony of the tournament. She advised the current team to take the competition one match at a time. “Don’t think too far ahead. Every match is important. Reduce dot balls, look for singles and doubles. Each run counts. Play to your strengths. For example, if Australia and England have good pace attacks, don’t try to copy them. Give it all. You have the home crowd behind you,” she said.


Edulji doesn’t want the Indian women’s team to rely solely on star opener and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, who has been in brilliant form recently. "In the 2017 Women’s World Cup, it was often just one player carrying the team. Smriti and Deepti shone in the league stage, and Harmanpreet stepped up in the semifinal. Every player has to contribute. Richa, Jemimah, and Harleen also need to chip in. You can’t leave all the scoring to Smriti and Harman," she said.

Edulji praised the BCCI for inviting former captains for the opening ceremony and lauded the turnout at Barsapara Cricket Stadium despite the Durga Puja celebrations. “The team’s body language looked strong. They appear united, which is very important,” she added.

Highlighting young talent, Edulji singled out pacer Kranti Goud as a standout. “Her inswingers on the England tour were a treat, and she has a good outswinger too. For a new pacer, she is really impressive. I hope Renuka Singh stays fit as she is the spearhead of the attack. Among spinners, Deepti Sharma will be key, capable of taking wickets at any stage,” Edulji said.

Edulji also backed the selection of Pratika Rawal over Shafali Verma for the ODIs. “Shafali needs to work on her fitness and adjust her approach for the 50-over format. Rawal has been consistent and has good technique; she just needs to reduce dot balls,” she added.

The 2025 tournament is the 13th edition of the Women’s ODI World Cup and the fourth time it is hosted in India, following 1978, 1997, and 2013. The scale and infrastructure of the event reflect the rapid growth of women’s cricket. “When India last hosted in 2013, matches were at smaller venues. Now we have world-class stadiums in Navi Mumbai, Guwahati, Vizag, Indore, and Colombo. The players should thank the BCCI if they lift the trophy, as it will inspire a new generation,” Edulji said.

Edulji’s insights highlight the evolution of the game, the rising standards in domestic and international cricket, and the responsibilities of the current generation of players. With a combination of experienced leadership and promising young talent, India will aim to make a lasting impact on the world stage.


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