New Delhi, Nov 9 (NationPress) It has been a week since India clinched its inaugural Women’s ODI World Cup, triumphing over South Africa by 52 runs at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Radha Yadav, the talented left-arm spin bowling all-rounder, shared that the team marked this historic achievement with a night filled with dancing and celebration that left them sleepless at the hotel.

After finishing as runners-up in the 2005 and 2017 World Cups, India finally emerged victorious in the 2025 edition hosted at home, a victory that is likely to catalyze significant progress for women’s cricket in the nation.

“We have put in a tremendous amount of effort over the years and now, God has rewarded us. I’m feeling fantastic. We couldn’t sleep. We were together all night, dancing and celebrating,” Radha recounted in an exclusive interview with IANS.

When asked if the reality of winning the World Cup had sunk in, Radha reflected on her approach to handling success and losses, emphasizing her mental conditioning developed over years of experience.

“Personally, I strive to treat victories and defeats equally. Winning a trophy feels excellent, but I believe it will take time for me to truly grasp what we achieved for this generation. For now, I prefer to remain present,” she stated.

“Winning is merely a byproduct. What truly matters is focusing on the process and maintaining a consistent routine,” she added.

Recalling a critical moment from the match, Radha described the tension before skipper Harmanpreet Kaur caught Nadine de Klerk, which solidified India’s win and ignited the exhilarating celebrations in the stadium.

“I was pleading, ‘please, please, please, catch it!’ and once she did, we rushed onto the field. It was incredibly special. The crowd’s support was immense, even in the pouring rain,” she expressed.

Radha noted the significance of having cricketing legends like Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami present during the celebrations, recognizing their contributions to the sport.

“We haven’t seen so many legends at our games before. Their presence in Mumbai, who have dedicated so much to Indian cricket, made this victory not just ours but a tribute to all the former women cricketers who played for the love of the sport,” she remarked.

Adding a personal touch, Radha mentioned that her father, Omprakash Yadav, was also part of the celebrations and held the trophy, marking a significant moment for both of them. “It was special because it was also his dream to see us win the World Cup,” she said.

Looking forward, she expressed optimism about the ODI World Cup’s long-lasting influence on the Indian women’s cricket landscape. “I believe this will inspire many girls and boys to strive for excellence in sports. It’s not just about cricket; it’s about making our country proud,” she concluded.