There were no television cameras in 1983 when Kapil Dev smashed that 175 not out against Zimbabwe and rescued India from the depths of despair. While the world missed out on seeing those heroics, for his teammates, the knock had the effect of making them feel that a miracle was indeed possible. A dream that few dared to even think or speak about turned into reality over the next two weeks.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s unbeaten innings of 171 against Australia in the 2017 semi-final, which was broadcast live across the world, had equal potential and more. Harmanpreet was trending ahead of the newly elected president of India, Shri Ramnath Kovind, and had broken through as the emblem of a blue billion that dared to believe.
The impact of Jemi Rodrigues’ unbeaten hundred is at least 10X in this social media age. She is the talk, as is the team. But then, there is the big final to be played. While all this emotion is fine, the truth is the battle has not been won yet. No one remembers the second-best, and it will be a huge opportunity missed if India fail to win on home soil. The World Cup final, for Harmanpreet, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah and the other girls is an opportunity that they can’t afford to let go.
Jemi’s innings and India’s victory against Australia have done far more than just take India to the final of the World Cup. It has given the women’s game a new identity that it so badly needed. More importantly, others who nurtured a silent ambition to be the next Harmanpreet or Jemi or Smriti, but stopped short of saying so for familial and other pressures, have found a new voice. But then, they need to take it to culmination. India have been a gallant loser far too many times and it is essential we turn the tide this time round.
Years down the line, a history of women’s empowerment in India will include a very determined Harmanpreet, Smriti and Jemimah, who took on and defeated the mighty Australia, world champions several times and considered unbeatable by many. These girls are all set to be the new preamble for any history of Indian women’s sport. In a country starved of sports champions, this women’s team has come through as a whiff of optimism, leaving an imprint on the fans’ psyche. But now, it is time to complete the circle and close things out. That’s where we need to be ruthless. Win the key moments, and soak up pressure better.
With the final just hours away, it is time to get behind the blue brigade one more time. Not the Indian women’s cricket team. Rather, the Indian team. Harmanpreet, the captain, leading an Indian team out in Mumbai will yet again galvanise the nation and corporate India will be forced to take notice. The women, lest we forget, are equal stakeholders in the decision-making. There is indeed enough momentum for a revolution. And yes, there is enough for a gripping story to be written. A November two years ago ended in heartbreak. It is time to change the narrative this time round.
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