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NEW DELHI: From travelling in unreserved train coaches to sleeping on dormitory floors, Indian women’s cricket has come a long way. Once starved of basic facilities and proper equipment, the team now stands on the brink of history as it chases its maiden World Cup title.

Having twice fallen short in the finals of 1998 and 2017, India have battled their way into the summit clash for the third time, where they will face a spirited South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium on Sunday.

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From Hardship to Hope

Recalling the struggles of the early years, former India captain and administrator Shantha Rangaswamy painted a vivid picture of how far the women’s game has come.

“From travelling in unreserved coaches to sleeping in dormitories on the floor, we even had to carry our own bedding. We had the cricket kit on the back like a backpack and a suitcase in one hand,” she said in an exclusive chat with PTI.

“But we’re so happy that the current lot are getting all the facilities. They deserve it, and the results are showing the efforts of the girls, the BCCI and the state associations. The foundation we laid back then, some 50 years ago, is bearing fruits now.”

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‘A Win That Can Transform the Game’

Rangaswamy believes that a World Cup triumph could transform the future of women’s cricket in India.

“It will be a huge plus for women’s cricket because if you see the 1983 World Cup win, Kapil Dev’s team changed the course of men’s cricket. This will propel a lot of girls to take up the sport. I’m telling you, if we win this, in the next five years the number of women cricketers will have doubled or tripled,” she said.

Praising Leadership and Vision

The veteran also credited Shri Jay Shah, former BCCI secretary and current ICC chairman, for his instrumental role in the growth of women’s cricket — including the launch of the Women’s Premier League in 2023.

“When Jay Shah was the BCCI secretary, he made a lot of changes that gave a big boost to women’s cricket. I can say this with confidence because I was on the apex council to support women’s cricket, and those efforts have paid dividends,” Rangaswamy noted.

She also lauded captain Harmanpreet Kaur for her crucial knock in the semifinal against Australia, calling it a defining moment.

“After this win over Australia, they deserve the Cup. Jemimah Rodrigues played well, but the best knock was Harmanpreet’s. As a batter and fielder, she’s fantastic. Her innings was of great value to the side,” Rangaswamy added.

(With PTI Inputs)