Alright then, 2023 has begun on the right note for Team India.
Only, this time, we are (pleasantly) talking with our focus being on the Indian women's cricket team!
As you would have read, our eves have conquered the U-19 World Cup in South Africa, beating England quite convincingly for a comfortable victory in the final. And yes, I know there must be enough cynics around to pooh-pooh this achievement, terming it just as a kids-playing event. But make no mistake, this victory is historic in its own way and is the precursor to many senior, international-level achievements.
In fact, let's just start with the U-19 level itself: agreed it is a junior level, but even till now, how many times have we won it earlier? How many times have other teams won it? Check and you shall realize the magnitude and impact of this achievement in terms of the U-19 level too.
It would also be pertinent to look at the track record of such events. From Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif to Virat Kohli to Ravindra Jadeja in its early years, to Prithvi Shaw and Shubman Gill now in men's cricket, we have been able to unearth many such potential superstars from the U-19 level. Their victories at the U19 World Cup not only instilled sky-high confidence in them to not just believe in themselves and compete at the senior level. So this is HUGE from our girls.
Let's also not forget, that Shafali Verma is already an established player in the senior Indian team. The mere presence of such a star creates wonders for the confidence of the team and the players have only made everyone proud through their performances. Shafali herself has gained a lot from this tournament, as she has emerged a World Cup winner now and after the disappointment in the previous World Cup at the highest level in Australia, she has now set her sights on the upcoming senior World Cup. Another feather awaits!
This success of the Indian eves also augurs well for the upcoming Women's IPL, where the best of the best in women's cricket will participate. Wins always enhance not only respect but also generate more attention as well as expectations. Our women (and girls) will now rightly be respected much more and will also dazzle much more, both at the Women's IPL as well as at the international level, both in the junior as well as senior categories.
Last but not the least, apart from the all the accolades that all the players and the coaching staff richly deserve, a huge shoutout to every support staff, every selector, every coach, every state association, and most importantly, to all the parents and families of these girls, for encouraging them and supporting them all the way!
Way to go, girls. Here's to many more and even greater laurels in future too.
Jai Ho!
