'From traveling in unreserved coaches to sleeping on the floor' - Former India captain recalls India's struggle

The Indian Women’s team stands on the brink of history as they face a determined South Africa team in the Women’s World Cup final on Sunday, November 2. Their journey to this point has been anything but easy.

Former India Women’s captain Shantha Rangaswamy reflected on the remarkable transformation of women’s cricket in India, from an era of struggle and limited recognition to one of packed stadiums and national pride.

Rangaswamy recalled the hardships faced by players in earlier decades, noting that teams once traveled in unreserved train coaches and slept in dormitories on the floor while representing the country. She expressed immense satisfaction at how far the sport has come, with today’s players finally receiving the facilities and respect they have long deserved.

“From traveling in unreserved coaches to sleeping in dormitories on the floor — we even had to carry our own bedding and cricket kits like backpacks,” Rangaswamy was quoted as saying by Times of India.

“We’re so happy that the current lot now gets all the facilities they deserve. The results speak for themselves — the efforts of the girls, BCCI, and state associations have all contributed to the success of women’s cricket,” she added.

Rangaswamy also predicted that a World Cup triumph could spark a new revolution in women’s cricket in India, which has already witnessed remarkable growth since the launch of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Speaking about the WPL’s impact, Rangaswamy credited Jay Shah’s leadership for the league’s successful inaugural edition, noting that it played a crucial role in elevating the profile of women’s cricket.

“It will be a huge boost. Just as Kapil Dev’s 1983 win changed men’s cricket, this victory could double or triple the number of women cricketers in the next five years. When Jay Shah was BCCI secretary, he brought in many reforms that gave women’s cricket a big boost. It’s paying rich dividends now," Rangaswamy said.

With the Women in Blue now eyeing their first-ever World Cup title in their 47-year history, the Proteas Women will be equally determined to spoil the hosts’ party at the DY Patil Stadium.