I do not think there can be a bigger motivation than playing the WC final: Harmanpreet Kaur

Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has stated that there wouldn’t be a bigger motivation than playing the ICC ODI Women’s World Cup 2025 final. She reckoned that the entire Indian team is charged up to take on the South African side.

While this is the third time Indian Women are part of the World Cup final, South Africa made it to the final for the first time in the tournament’s history. Speaking in the pre-match press conference, Kaur asserted that the team is standing with each other ahead of the much-anticipated game.

"I think when you are at a stage like this, playing the final match of the World Cup, I do not think there can be a bigger motivation than this. The entire team is fully charged up. They are standing with each other and are giving each other prayers and blessings. I think that shows how much this team is with each other and how ready we are for this match,” Harmanpreet Kaur told the media. 

"Now it is only about giving your best, strategy and everything. It is not that we have reached the final and we have to do all this today. We have been doing this from last two years. Knowing that India is going to host the World Cup and what conditions are going to be there. So we have prepared all that from the beginning. Now it is only about giving your 100 per cent and being there for the team," she added.

Furthermore, the Indian skipper has made it clear to her teammates not to control their emotions when on the field. Notably, Kaur was seen getting emotional on screen after India stunned Australia in the second semi-final to advance to the grand finale. 

"So It is not like I cry only after losing. I have cried a lot after winning too. Maybe yesterday you have seen me on television. But my teammates have seen me in the dressing room many time - on small occasions, whenever we have done well. I am the first person to cry," she stated.

"I always tell my team that you do not need to control your emotions. If you feel like crying, cry. I think you don't need to stop. At the same time, just keep enjoying. I think there is no bigger achievement or thing for us. Tomorrow is a special day and we will go with the same mindset," he concluded.

India Women's squad: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh(w), Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Renuka Singh Thakur, Sneh Rana, Harleen Deol, Arundhati Reddy, Uma Chetry.

South Africa Women’s squad: Laura Wolvaardt(c), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Sinalo Jafta(w), Annerie Dercksen, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Masabata Klaas, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Karabo Meso.

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