Can Mithali Raj lead India to its first Women’s ODI World Cup title?
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Synopsis
Mithali Raj believes India can secure their first Women’s ODI World Cup title by capitalizing on key moments. With the tournament starting on September 30, India is favored to win, facing tough competition from Australia and England. Can the team rise to the occasion and bring home the trophy?
Key Takeaways
- Mithali Raj's belief in the team's potential.
- Importance of capitalizing on key moments.
- Competitive landscape with Australia and England.
- Young talent Kranti Goud as a potential game-changer.
- A World Cup win would elevate women's cricket in India.
New Delhi, Aug 14 (NationPress) Former India captain Mithali Raj is optimistic about the current team's chances of claiming their first ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title, provided they capitalize on crucial moments during the tournament commencing on September 30. India enters this eight-team spectacle as one of the top contenders for the title, although they face tough competition from seven-time champions Australia and four-time winners England.
“I believe (India) must seize those pivotal moments during crucial matches. That's where the balance of the teams in contention lies. They aim to maximize those moments and shift the momentum in their favor, and India needs to do just that,” Mithali stated as reported by ICC Digital on Thursday.
Mithali led India to the finals in 2005 and 2017 and asserts that winning the title on home soil would significantly uplift women’s cricket in the country. “This is something that every player dreams of when they pick up a bat, to represent the country and win the World Cup, which India has yet to achieve.”
“Yes, we have come close twice, but the Cup has eluded us. Securing a World Cup at home would be a remarkable achievement because it presents a unique stage for all of us to witness,” she continued.
While the spotlight is expected to be on captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and Smriti Mandhana, Mithali believes that the team’s success may depend on contributions from young fast bowler Kranti Goud, who impressed during the ODI and T20I series victories in England. Kranti, a standout from WPL 2025, has participated in four ODIs thus far.
“I was genuinely impressed with Kranti Goud in England due to her raw talent. She has played in the WPL but lacks extensive experience. However, her determination as a seamer, consistently taking wickets (is commendable), and she even recorded a six-wicket haul (in England), so I eagerly anticipate seeing her in the World Cup at home.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize Mithali Raj's optimism and the potential of the Indian women's cricket team. With the right mindset and focus on crucial moments, the team stands a solid chance at their first World Cup title, setting the stage for a transformative era in women's cricket in India.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup start?
The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup begins on September 30.
Who is the current captain of the Indian women's cricket team?
The current captain of the Indian women's cricket team is Harmanpreet Kaur.
How many times has India reached the finals of the Women's ODI World Cup?
India has reached the finals of the Women's ODI World Cup twice, in 2005 and 2017.
Which teams are the main competitors for India in the World Cup?
India's main competitors in the World Cup are Australia, the seven-time champions, and England, the four-time winners.
Who is Kranti Goud?
Kranti Goud is a young fast bowler who has shown promise in recent series and is seen as a key player for India's success in the World Cup.
