India’s historic ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 victory has sparked nationwide celebrations—but one voice stood out for its raw admiration: legendary off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. In an impassioned tribute, Ashwin didn’t just praise the team—he singled out a 20-year-old spinner from Andhra Pradesh as the true architect of India’s triumph.
“She’s the reason India won,” Ashwin declared, referring to Sree Charani, whose breakout performance in the tournament has left fans and experts alike scrambling to learn more about the quiet prodigy who spun her way into cricketing folklore .
Sree Charani: The Unseen Force Behind India’s Maiden Glory
While Shafali Verma’s blazing bat and Deepti Sharma’s all-round heroics grabbed headlines in the final against South Africa, it was Sree Charani’s control, guile, and nerve in high-pressure middle overs that consistently broke opposition momentum throughout the tournament.
Ashwin, known for his deep understanding of spin bowling, was unequivocal: “What she did under pressure—especially in the semi-final and final—wasn’t just skill. It was maturity beyond her years.” He went on to compare her emergence to the rise of legendary match-winners in India’s past.
Ashwin Links 2025 Win to India’s Greatest Cricketing Moments
In his emotional reflection, Ashwin placed India’s 2025 Women’s World Cup victory alongside two iconic milestones: Kapil Dev’s 1983 men’s World Cup win and MS Dhoni’s 2007 T20 World Cup triumph.
“This is that same turning point,” he said. “A moment that changes everything—not just for women’s cricket, but for how we see sport in this country.” He credited captain Harmanpreet Kaur for creating a fearless, unified environment where talents like Charani could flourish.
Who Is Sree Charani?
Until a few months ago, Sree Charani was a promising domestic performer with a tidy line and a lethal arm ball. But her selection in the World Cup squad—and subsequent trust from Harmanpreet—unleashed a star.
Bowling primarily in the powerplay and middle overs, Charani finished the tournament with 14 wickets at an astonishing economy rate of 3.82—the best among all spinners in the competition . Her spell of 3/19 in the final choked South Africa’s chase just as it was gaining steam.
Sree Charani’s World Cup 2025 Bowling Highlights
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 9 |
| Wickets | 14 |
| Economy Rate | 3.82 |
| Best Bowling | 3/19 (vs South Africa, Final) |
| Dot Ball % | 61% |
These numbers don’t just reflect discipline—they showcase a bowler who understood her role to perfection in a high-stakes tournament.
Why Ashwin’s Praise Matters
Coming from a former Test great with 400+ international wickets, Ashwin’s endorsement carries immense weight. But more than that, it signals a shift in narrative: women’s cricket is no longer a side story. Its heroes deserve the same reverence as their male counterparts.
“Sree Charani isn’t just a talent,” Ashwin insisted. “She’s the future.”
With such high praise from one of India’s most cerebral cricketers, the spotlight on Charani will only grow brighter. And if Ashwin’s instincts are right—as they often are—this is just the beginning of a superstar’s journey.
Sources
Times of India,
ESPNCricinfo – ICC Women’s World Cup 2025,
ICC Official Website