1983 to 2025: Kapil Dev hails Indian women’s team as ‘better’ than his World Cup-winning team

When Kapil Dev won the 1983 World Cup at Lord’s, Indian cricket changed forever. That moment, a band of underdogs toppling the mighty West Indies, was the start of India’s transformation from a cricketer to a cricketing power. Images of Kapil hoisting the trophy in London became folklore, inspiring aspiring cricketers for decades. A certain Sachin Tendulkar also took inspiration and instilled in him the dream of lifting a World Cup together (which he finally did in 2011).

Four decades later, as Harmanpreet Kaur and her team prepare for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup final against South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium, that same sense of destiny seems to loom large again. But if you ask Kapil Dev, there is no need to draw parallels. Because, as he says, This The Indian team could well be better.

Kapil Dev: ‘The women’s team is superior’

In a heartfelt post on Star Sports, Kapil Dev expressed his admiration for the current women’s team, saying their brand of cricket has raised the standard of the sport. ‘The Indian women’s cricket team played exceptionally well against Australia,” he said. “Many people compare them to the 1983 team. However, I think such comparisons are unnecessary. The women’s team is superior and plays with great intelligence.’

The 66-year-old legend praised Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership and the team’s composure under pressure. ‘Their style of cricket has raised the standard of the game. The captain and the rest of the team play at a different level. I hope the next finale will be even better“, he said.

Kapil, who knows a thing or two about living up to the expectations of a nation, urged everyone to appreciate the quality of cricket being played instead of just focusing on the result. “I understand that to some extent you want victory, but the type of cricket they play should be discussed more” he said. “Winning would bring more happiness. However, playing good cricket, as they do, is also highly regarded. Kapil sees women’s success not as an echo of 1983 but as its own, perhaps even greater, revolution.