Legendary former captain Mithali Raj has expressed strong confidence in India’s ability to win their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup, stressing that success will depend on the team’s ability to capitalize on pivotal moments during high-pressure matches. Speaking ahead of the tournament, which begins on September 30, Mithali noted that the difference between top sides often comes down to mental composure and execution when the stakes are highest.
According to Mithali, seizing “those small moments” is the key to shifting momentum in India’s favor, especially against elite opposition. She pointed out that while talent and preparation are crucial, tournaments of this magnitude are often decided by how well teams respond when games hang in the balance.
India has reached the World Cup final twice—in 2005 and 2017—only to fall short on both occasions. Mithali, who captained the side in both campaigns, believes the 2025 edition offers a unique opportunity for redemption. With the tournament being played on home soil, she feels the team will benefit from passionate local support and familiar conditions, factors that could give them an extra edge. Winning at home, she said, would be “extra special” and could inspire a new era for women’s cricket in the country.
The former skipper also praised the current squad’s mix of experience and emerging talent. Senior players such as Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Deepti Sharma bring big-match know-how, while young talents like fast bowler Kranti Goud have shown promise on recent tours. Mithali was particularly impressed by Goud’s performances in England, where the young pacer claimed a six-wicket haul, demonstrating the kind of match-turning ability that could prove vital in a World Cup.
Beyond individual brilliance, Mithali emphasized the need for collective focus. She highlighted how top international teams thrive by making the most of tight situations, whether through clutch batting partnerships, sharp fielding under pressure, or bowlers delivering breakthroughs at the right time. India, she believes, must adopt the same mindset to cross the final hurdle.
Her message also carries a broader significance for the women’s game in India. A World Cup win would not only break a decades-long title drought but also give the sport unprecedented visibility, potentially boosting grassroots participation and investment. It could mark a transformative chapter, elevating women’s cricket to new heights in both recognition and resources.
In her typically measured but optimistic style, Mithali laid out a clear blueprint for success: stay calm in crunch moments, back individual strengths, and harness the energy of home crowds. If India can combine their skill with mental resilience, she believes the long-awaited trophy could finally be theirs.
For a generation of players and fans who have waited years for this breakthrough, Mithali’s words are both a rallying cry and a reminder—the smallest moments can create the biggest history.