NEW DELHI: Former India captain and iconic all-rounder Kapil Dev has thrown his full support behind the Indian women's cricket team as they gear up for the ICC Women's ODI World Cup final against South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.
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In a heartfelt message on Star Sports, the 1983 World Cup-winning skipper not only praised Harmanpreet Kaur 's side but also declared that they should not be compared with his legendary team — because they are better.
“The Indian women's cricket team has played exceptionally well against Australia. Many people compare them to the 1983 team. However, I believe such comparisons are unnecessary. The women's team is superior and plays with great intelligence,” Kapil said, stressing that the current side has taken the game to another level. “Their style of cricket has elevated the game's standard. The captain and the rest of the team are playing at a different level. I hope the upcoming final will be even better.”
The former all-rounder urged fans to look beyond just the result and appreciate the quality of cricket the team has displayed throughout the tournament. “I understand that to some extent you want victory, but the kind of cricket they play should be discussed more,” he said. “Winning would bring more happiness. However, playing good cricket, as they have been doing, is also highly valued.”
Kapil signed off with a message for the entire nation: “I want to say best wishes to the entire team, not just from me, but the whole of India who wants these girls to play better. If they win, there will be more happiness, but if they play good cricket like they have been, it will be even better.”
Sunday's final is set to be historic. Both India and South Africa are vying for their maiden Women's ODI World Cup title, with the winner becoming only the fourth team ever — after Australia, England and New Zealand — to lift the trophy.
While this is South Africa's first appearance in a 50-over World Cup final, India will be playing their third, after losing the 2005 and 2017 summit clashes.
With heavyweights Australia and England already knocked out, the stage is perfectly set for Harmanpreet's team to script an unforgettable chapter — one Kapil Dev believes they are more than ready to write.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
In a heartfelt message on Star Sports, the 1983 World Cup-winning skipper not only praised Harmanpreet Kaur 's side but also declared that they should not be compared with his legendary team — because they are better.
“The Indian women's cricket team has played exceptionally well against Australia. Many people compare them to the 1983 team. However, I believe such comparisons are unnecessary. The women's team is superior and plays with great intelligence,” Kapil said, stressing that the current side has taken the game to another level. “Their style of cricket has elevated the game's standard. The captain and the rest of the team are playing at a different level. I hope the upcoming final will be even better.”
The former all-rounder urged fans to look beyond just the result and appreciate the quality of cricket the team has displayed throughout the tournament. “I understand that to some extent you want victory, but the kind of cricket they play should be discussed more,” he said. “Winning would bring more happiness. However, playing good cricket, as they have been doing, is also highly valued.”
Kapil signed off with a message for the entire nation: “I want to say best wishes to the entire team, not just from me, but the whole of India who wants these girls to play better. If they win, there will be more happiness, but if they play good cricket like they have been, it will be even better.”
Sunday's final is set to be historic. Both India and South Africa are vying for their maiden Women's ODI World Cup title, with the winner becoming only the fourth team ever — after Australia, England and New Zealand — to lift the trophy.
While this is South Africa's first appearance in a 50-over World Cup final, India will be playing their third, after losing the 2005 and 2017 summit clashes.
With heavyweights Australia and England already knocked out, the stage is perfectly set for Harmanpreet's team to script an unforgettable chapter — one Kapil Dev believes they are more than ready to write.
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