New Delhi, Nov 7 (NationPress) November 2 will be remembered as a monumental date in the chronicles of Indian cricket when the team led by Harmanpreet Kaur triumphed over South Africa by 52 runs, securing their very first Women’s ODI World Cup title at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

This momentous victory is rooted in a challenging journey that began with two initial wins, followed by three consecutive defeats in the group stage that jeopardized their semi-final aspirations. However, once they arrived in Navi Mumbai, India made a remarkable comeback, achieving an unbeaten streak that ultimately led them to glory.

In an exclusive interview with IANS, Indian opener Pratika Rawal shared insights into the team’s extraordinary path to World Cup victory, the turning point after those three group-stage losses, her experience with an ankle injury that prematurely ended her campaign, and more. Here are some highlights:

Q. Has the feeling of winning the World Cup settled in, or is the excitement still vivid in your mind?

A. It hasn’t fully sunk in yet. It feels like just yesterday we were in our training camp in Visakhapatnam, discussing what we would do post-victory. I think it will take some time to grasp that we have indeed won the World Cup.

Q. Can you describe those final moments when the last wicket fell and the trophy was lifted?

A. I was in the president's lounge, and a few staff members came to assist me as I was in a wheelchair. As I descended, I heard the crowd erupt in cheers. I asked what happened, and they informed me that the last wicket had fallen. I was thrilled! When I finally reached the ground and saw my teammates, I couldn't contain my joy—I was laughing, hugging, and dancing with them. It was a day filled with happiness and overwhelming emotions.

Q. The bond among the team has been heartwarming. What makes this team unique?

A. There are two key concepts—sympathy and empathy. Our team embodies empathy. We treat each other like family, including the support staff. This deep emotional connection is what sets us apart from many other teams. When we play for each other and our nation, it becomes challenging for opponents to defeat us.

Q. If you had to name one person for whom you wanted to win the World Cup, who would it be?

A. There were too many! After the final, we were 39 strong. I wanted to win it for the whole team, our support staff, and my family. It was for everyone, not just one individual.

Q. What discussions took place after the close loss in Indore, and how did they inspire your incredible run in Navi Mumbai?

A. We had tough yet constructive conversations about how to improve as a unit against teams like New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. There was a lot of honesty, which is crucial for our growth. We focused on peaking at the right time and playing our best cricket.

Q. Dealing with your injury must have been tough—how did you come to terms with it?

A. Acceptance was key. When I got injured, I realized I couldn’t change it, so I accepted it quickly. I had a supportive environment around me, which helped me focus on recovery and personal growth during that period.

Q. How significant have Harmanpreet Kaur and Amol Muzumdar been in shaping the team's mindset?

A. Their impact is tremendous. They instill a strong belief in the team, assuring us that they stand by us in both victories and hardships. This unwavering support from our captain and coach motivates us to give our all on the field.