Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his interaction with the World Cup-winning Indian women’s cricket team, commended the players for their resilience and unity in achieving the prestigious title.
Recognising the individual brilliance of several cricketers, he particularly lauded wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, who has now added the senior World Cup trophy to her collection that already includes the U19 World Cup and the Women’s Premier League (WPL) title.
At the interaction held at his official residence, PM Modi remarked with a smile, “Richa, you win every game you play, don’t you? You seem to bring victory everywhere you go.” To this, a modest Richa replied, “I don’t know, sir. But yes, whether it was under-19, seniors, or WPL — we used to win trophies.”
Despite battling a hairline fracture in her left-hand middle finger, sustained during the group stage against New Zealand, Richa continued to play crucial matches, including the semifinal against Australia and the final, showcasing her determination and passion for the game.
Richa shared, “When we batted, we used to hit sixes. I think Harry Di (Harmanpreet), Smriti (Mandhana), and the others trusted us completely. Whenever the situation was tough, they had faith that we could pull it off — that gave me the confidence.”
Unity in Adversity
Team India’s World Cup campaign saw both highs and lows.
After two initial wins, they suffered three consecutive losses but bounced back with commanding victories against New Zealand and Bangladesh before toppling seven-time champions Australia in the semifinal.
Spinner Radha Yadav reflected on the journey, saying, “We lost three games, but the best part was that we stayed together even in defeat. We kept motivating one another. That’s why this win feels pure — God rewarded our togetherness.”
To this, PM Modi responded warmly, “No, no, you’ve earned it with your hard work,” before inquiring about the team’s preparation for the tournament.
Radha replied, “Sir, we worked on everything — fitness, fielding, skills. We had been preparing for every situation for a long time. It’s easier when everyone stays united; it’s difficult when someone is left alone.”
She also shared how her early struggles shaped her journey, revealing that she had used her prize money to support her family.
All-rounder Sneh Rana spoke about the strategies and teamwork that powered India’s win.
“Sir, it’s a lot of hard work. Our bowling coach, Avishkar, and the captain and vice-captain worked closely with us. We tried to replicate those plans on the field — and thankfully, it worked,” she said.
PM Modi concluded the interaction by commending the players’ unwavering spirit and unity, calling their triumph ‘a reflection of India’s growing strength in women’s sports’.
Also Read: PM Modi Hosts Women’s World Cup Champions; Praises Their Remarkable Comeback
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