Struggle of World Champions: India’s First ODI World Cup Win Built on Grit and Belief
Struggle of World Champions: India’s First ODI World Cup Win Built on Grit and Belief
India’s women create history with First-Ever ODI World Cup win; Victory sparks nationwide celebration as stories of grit behind the champions come to light
The Indian women’s cricket team lifted the ODI World Cup for the first time, marking a historic moment the nation had long awaited. India had reached the final twice earlier — in 2005 and 2017 — but this time, the story ended differently.
India’s path to the title began with a dramatic semifinal win over seven-time champions Australia, powered by a match-winning 127 from Mumbai’s Jemimah Rodrigues. In the final, the team defeated South Africa by 52 runs, triggering an outpouring of praise from across the world.
From Suryakumar Yadav, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli and Nikhat Zareen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leaders and sportspersons hailed the triumph as “great.” The United Nations Office in India also congratulated the team, saying, “You have inspired us and the entire world.”
India’s victory is being celebrated not just for the cricketing feat, but for the extraordinary journeys many players undertook to reach the world stage.
It is these stories of struggle, courage and persistence — far beyond the boundary line — that truly define this world champion team.
Kranti Gaur: From a small town in Madhya Pradesh to the World Cup podium
At just 22, Kranti Gaur rose from Ghuwara town in Chhatarpur district. With no girls’ cricket around her, she played tennis-ball cricket with boys. She joined local tournaments with her brother but also faced social resistance and criticism for playing with boys.
Her turning point came in 2017, when she was unexpectedly drafted into a district tournament due to a shortage of players — and walked away as Player of the Match. Her family struggled financially. “There was a time when we had to borrow money even to eat… when I had to go for practice, no one would lend me money. My mother sold her jewellery and sent me to play,” she recalled.
Radha Yadav: A vegetable vendor’s daughter who took a breathtaking mid-air catch
Left-arm spinner Radha Yadav grew up in Kandivali, Mumbai. Cricket coach Praful Naik spotted her talent when she was 11, but convincing her family — her father was a vegetable vendor — wasn’t easy. Naik eventually persuaded them, beginning Radha’s journey.
She later made headlines for a sensational mid-air catch against New Zealand, becoming a key figure in India’s bowling attack.
Amanjot Kaur: The carpenter’s daughter who grew up playing with boys
From Sangrur to Mohali, Amanjot Kaur began by playing street cricket with boys, tying her hair in a bun to blend in. Her mother recalls, “It was a big thing for a five-six-year-old girl to play alone with boys.”
Her father, Bhupinder, a carpenter, was the first to recognise her talent. “When she wanted to join an academy, I quit contract work and took a job in a shop so I could give her time,” he said. The family believes this World Cup win will transform attitudes towards girls in sports.
Deepti Sharma: Player of the Tournament and a record-breaker
All-rounder Deepti Sharma played a decisive role in India’s campaign. Born in Agra, she was selected for the UP team at 12 and made her international debut in 2014.
In this World Cup, she became the first woman to take more than 20 wickets and score over 200 runs in a single edition. She once took six wickets in an ODI at just 18, and scored 188 runs against Ireland at 19. Earlier this year, the UP government appointed her DSP and awarded her ₹3 crore.
Renuka Thakur: Fulfilling her father’s dream
Himachal Pradesh pacer Renuka Thakur comes from a farming family and lost her father when she was young. Her mother, Sunita, said, “He loved cricket very much. Today he is not with us, but his daughter fulfilled his dream.” After the World Cup win, the state Chief Minister announced a ₹1 crore reward for her.
