Former India captain Mithali Raj has attributed India’s historic ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 triumph to the transformative influence of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). In her interview with NDTV, Mithali said the league instilled “belief and self-confidence” among Indian players, helping them perform fearlessly in pressure situations.
According to her, the WPL exposed players to high-intensity matches and diverse conditions, which prepared them mentally for international challenges. “Because of the WPL, Indian players got belief to turn things around in crunch moments,” she noted, highlighting how this exposure has elevated their mental toughness and adaptability.
Discovering and Shaping New Talent
Mithali emphasized that the WPL has not only improved the overall standard of Indian women’s cricket but also helped unearth a new generation of stars. She cited players like Kranti Gaud and Shree Charani, who have transitioned smoothly from the league to international cricket.
Playing alongside and against world-class overseas cricketers, Mithali said, gave these young players a better understanding of professionalism and tactical awareness. “The WPL has given our girls a chance to test themselves against the best, and that experience reflects in their calmness during tight games,” she explained.
The former captain pointed out that the league has broadened India’s talent pool, reducing over-dependence on a few senior names and creating healthy competition within the squad.
Changing Mindset and Institutional Support
Beyond the WPL’s on-field impact, Mithali also credited structural changes in Indian cricket for the team’s evolution. She praised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for introducing pay parity between male and female cricketers, calling it a “progressive step” that enhances players’ motivation and sense of equality.
According to her, such administrative reforms have improved the sporting ecosystem, ensuring that players can now focus entirely on performance. Mithali also lauded the coaching staff for instilling discipline and team unity, elements she said were crucial to India’s World Cup campaign. “This victory shows how far women’s cricket has come, and how belief, backed by opportunity, can change everything,” she said proudly.
Through her remarks, Mithali Raj underlined how the WPL has reshaped the dynamics of women’s cricket in India—cultivating resilience, inspiring emerging players, and bridging the gap with global standards. The tournament, she suggested, is not just a platform for competition but a movement empowering India’s women cricketers to believe they can win against any odds.
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