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On Wednesday, Karsan Ghavri, the former fast bowler of India, called to the forefront the stars of women’s cricket, Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Smriti Mandhana, and praised them as the ones who have brought in a “new brand of Indian cricket.” The entire women’s cricket team was credited by Ghavri with making “every Indian around the globe feel proud” after winning the Women's World Cup.
Under the leadership of Harmanpreet, the Indian women scripted history on Sunday by beating South Africa in the final match by 52 runs and thereby winning their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup title.
‘Smriti, Jemimah and Harmanpreet are now the face of Indian cricket’ says Karsan Ghavri
“Hats off to the girls, the way they played cricket throughout the World Cup at various venues, especially the last two games against Australia and South Africa. They are the deserving winners of the World Cup,” Ghavri said.
“Like the men’s team has Virat, Rohit, and Gill, Smriti, Jemimah, and Harmanpreet are now the new brand of Indian cricket,” he added during the inauguration of an inter-state cricket tournament for physically challenged players at the Police Gymkhana in Mumbai.
Calling the triumph a moment of pride for every Indian, Ghavri said, “It’s such a big achievement. Not only Indians back home but Indians living all over the world — they have made everyone’s head held high.”
The 74-year-old former all-rounder, who represented India in 39 Tests and 19 ODIs, lauded the team’s consistency and composure, especially after a rocky start in the group stage.
India had suffered three consecutive defeats midway through the league, but bounced back in style with a must-win victory over New Zealand to reach the semifinals. They then pulled off a record-breaking chase of 338 against seven-time champions Australia, sealing a historic berth in the final.
‘The gap between men’s and women’s cricket has narrowed’
Ghavri credited the BCCI for promoting women’s cricket and said the difference between men’s and women’s cricket has almost vanished.
“Even the BCCI feels the way men play, the women too play the same way. Both are on the same level now; there’s no difference. You might have seen both the semis and the final — the stadium was fully packed,” he said.
He also urged the BCCI to organise a special felicitation ceremony for the victorious squad. “I’m sure they will do it soon, inviting all players and the coaching staff,” Ghavri added.
‘Gill should captain India in all formats’
Turning to men’s cricket, Ghavri expressed confidence in India’s chances of winning the ongoing T20I series in Australia, currently tied 1-1 with two matches remaining.
“It’s going to be a very interesting two matches. The way the Indian team is playing in Australia, we have got a very good chance to win the series,” he said.
Among the new generation, Ghavri showered praise on Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, saying both have the potential to lead India’s future.
“Abhishek Sharma is the best in the world. If he plays even for 10 overs in a T20 match, it’s as good as India having won half the match,” he quipped.
He further suggested that Gill should be appointed India’s all-format captain, adding, “Shubman Gill should captain India in all the formats, be it T20I, ODI, or Test.”
(By PTI Inputs)
