India’s women’s team captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, has revealed that she received a call from the legendary Sachin Tendulkar on the eve of World Cup final. The senior batter also opened up on what Tendulkar said to her ahead of the big day.
The Women in Blue scripted history at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai on Sunday, November 2 with a sensational 52-run win over South Africa in the final to lift their first ever World Cup.
Harmanpreet Kaur revealed on the most recent episode of the ICC Review that she took all of the suggestions from former players into consideration and attempted to integrate it in the game. She elaborated:
“The night before the match, Sachin (Tendulkar) sir called. He shared his experience and asked us to keep our balance. When the game is going fast, just slow it down a little. Try and control it because when you go too fast, chances are you can stumble. That’s what we need to avoid. I was just thinking of all the advice I was getting from the seniors. To keep control, stay patient, the moment will come and you will be able to grasp it.”
In terms of runs off her bat, the 36-year-old scored 260 in nine games over the event, averaging 32.60 and reaching a high of 89. The right-hander’s innings of 89 came in the semi-finals against Australia.
“I still can’t believe it” – Harmanpreet Kaur
Kaur also expressed how important it was for her to lift the World Cup beside her parents. She added:
“I still can’t believe it. Whenever we are seeing each other, we’re just saying, ‘world champion’. It’s a very different feeling. We were waiting when we would get to feel this way. My mother and father were there. For me, it was a very special moment to lift the World Cup trophy with them. Since my childhood, they have heard me say that I want to wear India’s jersey, play for the country, lead the team and win the World Cup.”
The Indian squad recently visited with the country’s Prime Minister and President in New Delhi, and both leaders congratulated the winning side.
