We returned home and forgot we have lost the World Cup final: Punam Raut

Indian Women cricketers have become celebrities after their heroic performance in ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. Punam Raut and Harmanpreet Kaur, two of the most important members of the team, played key roles in India’s run to the finals but lost narrowly by mere 9 runs. But according to the opener Raut, they forgot that they lost the final following their return to the country.

Indian team lost the final of the mega event against England in front of the jam packed crowd at the iconic Lord’s. But they have hogged the limelight since then and most importantly are being recognised by the fans. Harmanpreet, Punam and the former captain Diana Edulji expressed their thoughts in the latest edition of Express Adda. They spoke freely of their newly found celebrity status and the changing attitude towards Women’s cricket in India.

We encouraged them a lot: Edulji

The former captain and the member of Committee of Administrators (CoA) spoke about how they encouraged the cricketers while preparing for the World Cup. “Previously, what I observed was that they weren’t enjoying their game, and that is why their performance wasn’t coming up. Before they left, we brought changes in the support staff, encouraged them to increase their confidence level. We ensured they flew business class. They got the kit they wanted. They reached there eight days prior to the tour so that they got acclimatised. All that helped a lot. I would say that made the team happier and more united. That showed on the ground,” Diana Edulji explained.

Both Kaur and Raut were of the opinion that they never expected the huge reception on their return from World Cup. Kaur who battered Aussies in the semifinals, said, “We never expected so many people to be waiting to greet us outside the airport. There are so many events that we have to attend. Originally, I was planning a nice break with my family but we have become so busy instead.”

Punam, who fought till the end in the grand finale, said that she absolutely forgot the loss of the final after coming back home after experiencing the support of the fans. “When we lost the finals, we thought okay at least we’re together now so we can digest it somehow, but when we return home it’ll keep haunting us, this nine-run defeat. However, when I returned, the whole of Borivali was there to welcome me. It never felt like we had lost the finals,” Punam said.