New Delhi, Nov 9 (NationPress) On November 2, a billion dreams converged as India celebrated a monumental achievement with Sneh Rana and the Women in Blue securing their first Women’s ODI World Cup title, triumphing over South Africa by 52 runs at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

The 2025 edition of the Women’s ODI World Cup was considered India's prime opportunity for glory, and the team rose to the occasion amid intense scrutiny, overcoming three consecutive defeats in the group stage.

Sneh, who was instrumental in the victory by taking seven wickets and scoring 99 runs in six matches, shared her thoughts in an exclusive interview with IANS regarding the elation of winning the World Cup, celebrating alongside legends of the sport, the team spirit, and more. Here are some highlights:

Q. Has the reality of being a World Cup champion set in?

A. No, it hasn’t yet because I just returned home yesterday. The warm welcome I've received in Dehradun has kept me engaged with the crowd. I haven't had a moment to let it fully sink in; it’s still happening.

Q. How significant was it to have legends like Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, Anjum Chopra, and Reema Malhotra join your celebrations?

A. It was incredibly special as they laid the groundwork for women's cricket in this nation. They rightfully deserve this trophy too, having worked tirelessly for years to make this day possible.

It was heartwarming to see Reema di at the ground. She was emotional, and when we took a victory lap, the joy was palpable as we chanted, ‘sadda haq, aithe rakh (Give me my rights, here and now)’. Many must have seen that heartfelt moment on video.

Meeting with Mithali di, Jhulu di, and Anjum di was equally emotional. Their pride was evident, and it felt perfect to celebrate with that song in our hands.

Q. Reflecting on the team’s preparation and your performance in the tournament, how would you describe it?

A. Our preparation was meticulous. We had clear roles and strategies, understanding the opposition thoroughly. We had extensive discussions with our bowling coach about exploiting variations for each batter. Personally, taking Marizanne Kapp’s wicket was my highlight; it felt like my best delivery of the tournament.

Q. There seemed to be a strong bond within the team. What was the atmosphere like?

A. Spending so much time together fosters strong connections. It’s crucial in a team sport for achieving success. We had about two months together before the World Cup, which forged a remarkable bond as we learned to understand each other’s moods.

We’ve been preparing for this moment for 6-7 months, even discussing strategies before the England tour, all with the aim of winning the World Cup. The extensive training sessions across various venues ultimately paid off.

Q. Having played under Harmanpreet Kaur for some time, how would you describe your relationship with her during the World Cup?

A. It was wonderful. Her vast experience and understanding of the game made her guidance invaluable, especially in critical moments. She would come to us, offering suggestions that often led to successful outcomes. I’m thrilled she lifted the trophy and caught the final ball; it’s a special moment for her.

Q. How crucial was the support staff in shaping the team’s mindset?

A. The entire support staff is integral to our success. Their contributions often go unnoticed but are immensely valuable. From coaches to trainers, everyone plays a role in creating a positive environment. Amol sir, with his rich experience, provides critical insights, while Aavishkar sir and Munish Bali sir help us improve daily.

Q. What impact do you foresee this World Cup victory having on women’s cricket in India?

A. This win will have a profound effect. The landscape of women’s cricket will transform, encouraging girls to pursue sports without fear. The BCCI’s initiatives, like pay parity, are steps in the right direction. Now every girl can aspire to bring home a trophy for India, changing mindsets significantly.