Ex-Coach Raman Reveals Real Reason Behind India’s World Cup Surge
In a candid and insightful reflection, former India women’s head coach WV Raman has peeled back the curtain on what truly powered the team’s remarkable run to the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 final. And it wasn’t just talent—it was resilience forged in fire.
“The greatest lessons come from the harshest punishments,” Raman told reporters, pointing to the team’s painful exit from the 2020 T20 World Cup semi-final as the turning point that sparked a quiet revolution in Indian women’s cricket.
From Heartbreak to Hope: The 2020 Catalyst
Back in 2020, India’s women came agonizingly close to a T20 World Cup final—but fell short against Australia in a tense semi-final in Melbourne. That loss, Raman says, wasn’t the end—it was the beginning.
“We didn’t crumble. We learned,” he recalled. “That experience taught our players how to handle pressure, how to manage expectations, and most importantly, how to believe when the odds are against them.”
This mindset shift, combined with consistent team selection and long-term planning, laid the groundwork for the breakthrough 2025 campaign.
Heinrich Klaasen
Oops! Let’s correct that—this story is about India’s women cricketers, not a South African batter. Apologies for the slip. Back to the real heroes: Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, Richa Ghosh, and a new generation of fearless talent.
How WPL and U-19 World Cup Fueled the Fire
Raman emphasized that the rise of India’s senior team didn’t happen in a vacuum. Two major developments supercharged the ecosystem:
- Women’s Premier League (WPL): Launched in 2023, the WPL gave domestic players high-stakes exposure, professional contracts, and the chance to train alongside global stars.
- U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup: India’s victory in the inaugural 2023 edition wasn’t just a trophy—it created a pipeline of confident, battle-tested youngsters ready for senior cricket.
“Before WPL, we had maybe 15-20 players we could rely on,” Raman explained. “Now? We have 50+ match-ready athletes who can step in without a drop in quality.”
Continuity: The Secret Sauce
While many teams shuffle squads and coaches after every tournament, Raman credits continuity as India’s biggest advantage. The core group that played in 2020 remained intact through 2025, allowing chemistry, trust, and tactical understanding to deepen over time.
This long-view approach contrasts sharply with short-term fixes—and it’s paying dividends on the world stage.
India Women’s ODI World Cup Journey: Key Milestones
| Year | Tournament | Result | Key Development |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | T20 World Cup | Semi-finalists | Team-building phase; mental resilience tested |
| 2023 | U-19 T20 WC | Champions | New talent pipeline established |
| 2023 | WPL Launch | N/A | Professional ecosystem created |
| 2025 | ODI World Cup | Finalists | Culmination of 5-year growth strategy |
What’s Next for Indian Women’s Cricket?
With a solid foundation in place, Raman believes India is now a perennial contender in every major ICC event. The focus has shifted from “potential” to “expectation”—and the players are embracing it.
“The fear is gone,” he said with a smile. “Now they walk into any dressing room knowing they belong—and that changes everything.”