Indian women's cricket team all-rounder Deepti Sharma has emphasised the importance of staying in the present, stating that the 2025 ICC Women's ODI World Cup is too far in the future to contemplate. Her comments came immediately after India completed a stunning and comprehensive 5-0 series whitewash against South Africa in Chennai.
A Dominant Display Seals Historic Whitewash
The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side put on a clinical performance throughout the series, culminating in a convincing victory in the fifth and final ODI at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. The win on Sunday cemented India's utter dominance, leaving the visiting Proteas side without a single victory in the ODI leg of the tour. This clean sweep serves as a massive confidence booster for the team, showcasing their strength in home conditions and the depth of their squad.
While the team management and fans might already be looking ahead to future global tournaments, Deepti Sharma, a key figure in the team's success, has urged for a grounded approach. The seasoned all-rounder, who contributed significantly with both bat and ball during the series, believes in taking one step at a time.
Focus on the Process, Not Just the Distant Prize
"The World Cup is too far to think about," Deepti stated in the post-series context. Her remarks underline a professional mindset focused on continuous improvement rather than getting ahead of oneself. The next Women's ODI World Cup is scheduled for late 2025, which gives the team a substantial runway to prepare, experiment, and build.
Deepti's philosophy centres on building on the current momentum and addressing immediate goals. The resounding success against South Africa provides a perfect foundation. The team's strategy will likely involve consolidating these gains, working on specific areas identified during the series, and preparing for upcoming bilateral contests. The focus, as per the all-rounder's view, should remain on the process and winning the next match, rather than fixating on a tournament over a year away.
This series win is particularly significant as it demonstrates India's ability to perform consistently across matches. It wasn't reliant on one or two stars; different players stepped up at different times, indicating a healthy team environment and growing bench strength. Such factors are crucial for long-term success in a marquee event like the World Cup.
Building Momentum for the Future
The 5-0 triumph is more than just a series win; it's a statement. It sends a clear message to other cricketing nations about India's prowess in the 50-over format, especially on home soil. For a team with ambitions of lifting the World Cup, such dominant performances are essential building blocks. They foster a winning habit, build team cohesion, and allow players to thrive under pressure.
Deepti Sharma's call for focus aligns with a modern sporting approach where long-term goals are broken down into short-term, manageable objectives. The team's immediate roadmap will include other international assignments and possibly more home series, where they can refine their game plan. The management will have ample time to assess combinations, nurture young talent, and ensure the core group remains in peak form as the World Cup draws nearer.
In conclusion, while the dream of World Cup glory in 2025 undoubtedly burns bright, Deepti Sharma and the Indian women's cricket team are wisely choosing to walk the path one step at a time. The historic 5-0 whitewash of South Africa is a powerful step in that journey, providing both results and valuable lessons. The team's current mantra appears to be clear: celebrate the present success, learn from it, and channel that energy into the next challenge, letting the future take care of itself.
