Revealed: Sachin Tendulkar’s priceless advice to Harmanpreet Kaur before World Cup final

Harmanpreet Kaur reveals Sachin Tendulkar's advice before World Cup final. (BCCI and ICC Photo)

The Indian women's team defeated South Africa by 52 runs to win their first-ever ICC World Cup competition at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Sunday. Before the final, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur recalled the counsel she received from cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and others.

“The night before the match, Sachin (Tendulkar) sir called. He shared his experience and asked us to keep our balance. When the game is going fast, just slow it down a little,” Harmanpreet said while speaking on The ICC Review.

“Try and control it because when you go too fast, chances are you can stumble. That is what we need to avoid. I was just thinking of all the advice I was getting from the seniors. To keep control, stay patient, the moment will come and you will be able to grasp it,” Harmanpreet said.

Harmanpreet also recalled what it's like to be referred to as a world champion. “Whenever we see each other, we are just saying, ‘world champion’. It is a very different feeling. We were waiting when we would feel this way,” Harmanpreet said.

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“My mother and father were there. For me, it was a very special moment to lift the World Cup trophy with them. Since my childhood, they have heard me say that I want to wear India’s jersey, play for the country, lead the team, and win the World Cup,” Harmanpreet added.

Harmanpreet is the third Indian captain to win a senior ODI World Cup championship, after Kapil Dev (1983) and Mahendra Singh Dhoni (2011). She was the first female captain to do so, which makes it even more remarkable. However, reality might take some time to sink in.

“To be honest, I’m not able to think about this right now. Maybe, I will realise after a few months what we have achieved. What we have given our country. I can’t process this right now,” said the 36-year-old on the unique feat.

“I spoke about the same with Amol (Muzumdar) sir, it feels like we have won some bilateral series and we’re going back home. The impact of it is something we’ll realise in a few months. Right now, it just feels like a dream.”