India captain Harmanpreet Kaur credited head coach Amol Majumdar’s aggressive dressing room talks for the team’s victory over Australia in the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup 2025. Harmanpreet said that after the defeat against England in the group stage, Muzumdar had urged the players to take responsibility.
Despite being in control in the run chase, India had to face defeat against England. Chasing the target of 289 runs, the team needed only 55 runs in 52 balls, but failed to do so. They came under intense scrutiny, which forced the team to reevaluate their approach.
With their semi-final hopes in jeopardy, India needed to defeat New Zealand to remain in the tournament. They performed when it mattered and that important win gave them momentum ahead of the knockout stage.
Amol Muzumdar always speaks from the heart – Harmanpreet Kaur
Speaking to Star Sports after the semi-final win, Harmanpreet Kaur said that Amol Majumdar’s words after England’s defeat became the turning point of their campaign. Harmanpreet said that the team accepted his criticism in the right spirit.
Harmanpreet Kaur said, “I didn’t speak a word after that match (against England) because he was the one saying it – ‘You should have saved the match’ (imitating Muzumdar). Everyone took it in good spirit. Whatever Sir says, we all believe him because he always speaks from the heart.”
“After that, I spoke to all the players because I wanted to see what they were feeling, because sir is expecting the right things from us. The whole country also expects the same from us. Everyone took it positively and the way everyone played today (vs Australia), you can see it,” she said.
How did you do it #TeamIndia Comeback after three consecutive defeats? Now we know the answer!
Watch #CWC25 last #SAvIND Sunday, November 2, 2pm! pic.twitter.com/Ou5TNVEhoA
– Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) 30 October 2025
I had said some things in the dressing room – Amol Majumdar
Amol Majumdar, who was present during the interview, said that he wanted to motivate the players after England’s defeat. Muzumdar said the message was given in good spirit and to move the group in the right direction.
“We had a little chat with the players… I said a few things in the dressing room. But it was a good feeling,” he said.
India performed better batting in the semi-finals. Jemimah Rodrigues scored a century and Harmanpreet Kaur, Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh scored valuable runs to keep the team in the match. Amanjot Kaur completed the job brilliantly by hitting a four off Sophie Molineux.
India will face South Africa in the final on November 2 in Navi Mumbai. Proteas Women defeated England by 100 runs in the first semi-final match.
Earlier, Australian captain Alyssa Healy won the toss and decided to bat first. Phoebe Litchfield was the top scorer for the team with 119, while Ellyse Perry (77) and Ashley Gardner (63) scored half-centuries to help the Ladies in Yellow reach 338.
Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur made a partnership of 167 runs. Rodrigues scored unbeaten 127 runs in 134 balls with the help of 14 fours. The hosts completed the chase with nine balls remaining, ending Australia’s title defense and sealing their place in the final.
Also read: Next schedule of Asia Cup announced, India-Pakistan in one group
