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"Slept on floors": Ex-cricketer reveals earlier struggles of women's cricket in India

Soumyajit Dutta

India Women's cricket team and Shantha Rangaswamy [Source: @alup_kirotia/X.com]India Women's cricket team and Shantha Rangaswamy [Source: @alup_kirotia/X.com]

The India Women's Cricket Team is on the cusp of winning their maiden Women's World Cup title on Sunday, November 2, as they face a gritty South Africa women's team. However, though the context seems like a dream today, a few years ago, women's cricket in India was a reality that was far more grounded.

Former India Women captain and commentator Shantha Rangaswamy reflected on the India women's team's journey over the years, how they struggled and gradually reached the stature they hold today, where a women’s cricket match is already sold out at full capacity in Navi Mumbai.

Shantha Rangaswamy reflects on earlier struggles

Rangaswamy recalled that during her time, teams had to travel in unreserved coaches and sleep in dormitories on the floor. 

“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 told PTI.

She further emphasized that she is happy women’s cricket has now reached a stage where players enjoy the facilities they truly deserve.

“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,” Rangaswamy added.

The potential after a World Cup Final win

Rangaswamy also predicted that a World Cup win could bring a wave of revolution in women’s cricket in India, which has already seen significant growth since the commencement of the WPL. 

“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,” Rangaswamy added.

Speaking about the WPL’s role in the rise of women’s cricket, Rangaswamy credited Jay Shah’s leadership behind the successful inaugural edition of the league.

“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 concluded.

With India now eyeing the World Cup for the first time in their 47-year history, the Proteas women will also look to spoil the hosts’ chances at the DY Patil Stadium. The live action will begin at 3 PM IST.