New Delhi, Nov 5 (NationPress) India’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana reflected on her emotions following the triumph of securing her first World Cup trophy, marking a pivotal moment in her career. She expressed that losing matches did not evoke strong emotions but instead fueled her desire to improve, as she anticipated that a significant victory would be the occasion when she would truly feel emotional, similar to her feelings after the World Cup win.

The Indian opener recounted how the team’s near victories in major tournaments, which ended in heartbreak during knockouts, had a lasting impact on her, while simultaneously driving her and her teammates to strive for excellence and earn the title of ‘Champions.’

“Having played international cricket for over a decade, we've experienced heartbreaks in 2017 and 2020, along with numerous semifinal disappointments where we believed we could emerge victorious. Each setback left a significant mark on my heart, providing relentless motivation to improve and strive for the ‘champions’ title. I am genuinely proud of the team. As an athlete, winning the World Cup is a dream since childhood. Performing in front of over 50,000 supporters in my hometown and achieving this victory fills me with immense pride,” she shared in a video released by the BCCI.

On expressing her emotions on the cricket field, Mandhana stated, “I am at a loss for words. Today has brought out the most emotion I've ever felt during a match. I always believed that this moment would come. While I witnessed many girls in tears after losses, I never felt that way; instead, it motivated me to ask myself, 'How can I improve?'”

“I was certain that winning would evoke more emotion than losing, and today felt surreal. We achieved everything, but looking around at my teammates and reflecting on the atmosphere over the past 35-40 days made me emotional. I believe this group of girls is the best possible assembly of individuals, and that aspect truly moves me,” she added.

Team India narrowly missed winning the World Cup in 2017, defeating Australia in the semifinals thanks to Harmanpreet Kaur’s sensational innings of 171 not out but ultimately falling short against England in the final at the iconic Lord’s.

Mandhana expressed that while the 2017 World Cup was a groundbreaking moment for women's cricket in India, the victory in 2025 will inspire many young girls to take up the sport.

“The 2017 World Cup was a significant moment for women’s cricket in India, as the public began to recognize the existence of our women’s team. However, this World Cup played at home, along with the overwhelming support we received over the last month and a half, was remarkable. I remember stepping onto the bus in the rain, and thousands of fans were cheering for us and wishing us well. It felt surreal as a woman cricketer to receive such love. Hearing 'Maa Tujhe Salam' at the ground was unforgettable. We’ve experienced empty stadiums, but to lift the trophy in front of a packed crowd will undoubtedly inspire many young girls to pursue cricket,” Mandhana elaborated.

When asked what message she would convey to her younger self, she emphasized that her passion for batting would one day contribute to winning a World Cup, urging others to maintain their enthusiasm to achieve greatness.

“I don’t believe this team fully comprehends the significance of this win yet, but I’m confident that in the coming years, they will realize the impact they’ve had on women’s cricket. Let’s utilize this moment to create a better future for ourselves and others. My only advice to my younger self is that the passion I had for batting would help India secure a World Cup one day. Nothing is possible without that passion. I recall practicing late into the night, and regardless of age, one must keep that passion alive to achieve greatness. My single message to my younger self is to hold onto that passion because someday, you will be celebrated as a World Cup winner,” she concluded.