We lacked killer instinct, but nobody can stop this lot: 2005 Cup finalists
DETERMINED Better facilities and international exposure have boosted the current batch of Indian women to make them a highly competitive side in the World Cup
CHANDIGARH: There is a marked difference between the current Indian women’s team playing in England and the one that played the final of the World Cup in 2005 against Australia in South Africa.
Although both teams were led by Mithali Raj, the 2005 team had punched above its weight by reaching the final. This team, however, is capable of winning the title and wouldn’t settle for anything less at Lord’s on Sunday.Former opener Jaya Sharma, who was a member of the 2005 squad, said, “A group of 30 cricketers were groomed and trained for two years for this World Cup.”
Jaya, who is also a selector with the Delhi District Cricket Association, recalled the indifferent treatment meted out to the 2005 batch back then. “We were given sub-standard accommodation as compared to what the hosts, England, Australia and New Zealand got. The Asian teams were not even given airconditioned rooms and it was very hot. This made us furious and determined to do well in the tournament. We decided that we will go for the kill and reach the final to show our calibre.”
Australia beat India by 98 runs in the final to take the title. “I remember, we got a cheque of R9,000 each after we reached India. We played nine matches and the women’s cricket association gave us R1,000 per match. Now things are way better and the way Indians have played in England, there is nothing that can stop them,” added Jaya, who has played 77 ODIs, one Test and one T20I for India.
Sudha Shah was the coach of the Indian team back then. “The present team has had more facilities and international exposure. I find no reason why India cannot beat England in the final. History should be created. Remember, after Kapil Dev lifted the World Cup in 1983, a new era began for cricket in India,” said Jaya.
Left-arm spinner Neetu David was also part of the 2005 Indian team. “We got too excited on reaching the final and choked. Reaching the final was our main target, I guess. We made a statement through that. We were underdogs but we did well to reach the final. Mithali was a kid back then. Having more experience than her, we all supported her and helped her with the captaincy. She has matured beautifully as a cricketer. She is able to inspire the team and other aspiring women cricketers. We could not win the World Cup, but I see this team doing it on Sunday at Lord’s,” said Neetu, who is the fourth highest wickettaker in women’s cricket with 141 scalps from 97 games.For Neetu, the 19-year-old allrounder Deepti Sharma has been the find of the World Cup. Another 2005 World Cup team member Anju Jain, who had been the India wicketkeeper for a decade and also team’s coach from 2011 to 2013, feels a title win will help Indian cricket. “If the girls come back with the title, avenues will open up for them. The BCCI has been planning a T20 league for the past 2-3 years. Maybe it will see the light of day soon. She feels India will win the title. “Maybe we lacked that killer instinct in 2005. But the way Harman, Smriti, Mithali, Veda have played, no one can stop them from becoming champions,” said Anju, who played eight Tests and 65 ODIs.