As India lifted its maiden ICC Women’s World Cup trophy, social media erupted with tributes for head coach Amol Muzumdar, drawing striking parallels between his real-life journey and Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic character Kabir Khan from the 2007 film Chak De India.
The comparisons stem from Muzumdar’s remarkable story — a prolific domestic cricketer who never played for India despite scoring 11,167 first-class runs at an average of 48.13, including 30 centuries. Once hailed as the “New Tendulkar,” he dominated the Ranji Trophy for two decades but retired in 2014 without an international cap.
‘Every element of a great film’
In a viral post, X user @theskindoctor13 wrote: “Here is the perfect script for a Chak De India sequel: Amol Muzumdar, one of the most prolific batters in Indian domestic cricket, never played for India. In 2023, he became head coach of the women’s team and led them to their first-ever World Cup title.”
Another user, @SumitPurohit, added: “This is also the story of Amol Muzumdar… once compared to Tendulkar, but who never played for India. Now, as a coach, he wins a World Cup with the women’s team. Every element of a great film is in this winning campaign.”
From toxicity to triumph
Appointed in October 2023, Muzumdar inherited a dressing room plagued by factionalism and unrest. His calm, methodical approach restored trust and unity. After early losses in the tournament, a stirring speech following the defeat to England became the turning point.
“We did not look at those losses as losses… we just thought there were some hiccups,” Muzumdar said post-final. “They have done every Indian proud. It is a watershed moment for Indian cricket.”
The defining image of the final came when Harmanpreet Kaur bowed down to touch Muzumdar’s feet before embracing him — a gesture that spoke volumes about the respect he commands.
‘Magical' Shafali and the 1983 moment
Muzumdar reserved special praise for Shafali Verma, who stepped in as an injury replacement and delivered a match-winning performance in the final. “Magical… packed ground, turns up with a magical innings, and then with the ball,” he said.
For a man who once waited endlessly to bat behind Tendulkar and Kambli during a school match in 1988, this World Cup win was redemption. As one X user summed it up: “Amol Muzumdar never wore the India cap as a player. Today, he wears the crown as a coach.”
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