Mumbai, November 8, 2025
Cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar made a heartwarming gesture on the eve of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final a call that, according to India’s skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, played a crucial role in shaping her mindset ahead of the historic match.
In a revelation that has since gone viral across social media, Harmanpreet disclosed that Tendulkar personally reached out to her on the night before India’s clash against South Africa at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. His words, she said, were calm yet powerful the kind that only the “God of Cricket” could deliver before a big final.
“Sachin Sir Called Me Before the Match” Harmanpreet Reveals Emotional Moment
Speaking to reporters after India’s triumphant win, Harmanpreet said with a smile:
“The night before the match, Sachin sir called me. He shared his experiences from finals and told me one simple thing when the game moves too fast, slow it down. Control your thoughts, and the match will come to you.”
She added,
“He reminded me that big matches are not won by aggression alone, but by patience and calm decisions. His words stayed in my mind the entire night.”
It wasn’t just a casual conversation; it was a master talking to his student, and his advice clearly left a mark.
A Call That Changed Everything
Sources close to the team confirmed that Tendulkar had been following India’s campaign closely throughout the tournament. Known for mentoring young cricketers behind the scenes, the former India captain wanted to ensure that the women’s team entered the final with the right mindset.
A BCCI insider told The Times of India:
“Sachin sir felt that the girls were under huge pressure. He said a few words to Harmanpreet about composure, about not letting the moment overwhelm them. That conversation came from his heart.”
And perhaps, that emotional call became the calm before the storm.
The Final: India vs South Africa History in the Making
The next day, under a packed stadium and millions watching across the world, India put up a spectacular performance, defeating South Africa by 52 runs to clinch their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup title.
Harmanpreet’s captaincy, marked by aggression mixed with composure, reflected everything Tendulkar had said.
- India posted a competitive total of 267/8, with Smriti Mandhana top-scoring with 89.
- Harmanpreet anchored the middle overs with a crucial 45-run knock.
- The bowlers led by Renuka Singh and Deepti Sharma sealed the victory with disciplined spells.
When the final wicket fell, tears rolled down Harmanpreet’s face. Later, she admitted that her first thought went back to that one phone call.
“When we won, I just whispered to myself ‘You were right, sir.’ His advice gave me clarity and peace.”
What Sachin Tendulkar Actually Said
In a short social media post after the final, Sachin confirmed the call. He wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“A little conversation, a lot of heart. So proud of the Indian women’s team for making the nation proud. The night before the final, I told Harman the game doesn’t change, only the stakes do. Keep your focus where the ball is, not where the crowd is. And they did exactly that. 🇮🇳”
That post alone received over 2 million likes in just a few hours, with fans praising Tendulkar for his humility and mentorship.
Fans Call It the ‘Phone Call of the Decade’
As soon as Harmanpreet’s statement went public, cricket fans flooded social media with admiration for Tendulkar’s gesture. Hashtags like #SachinSir, #HarmanpreetKaur, and #CricketSpirit trended nationwide.
Some popular reactions on X:
- “Only Sachin could give advice like that before a World Cup final. Goosebumps!”
- “From 2011 Dhoni’s six to 2025 Harmanpreet’s smile the legacy continues.”
- “Mentor to generations! What a moment for Indian cricket.”
Even former cricketers joined in the chorus. Virat Kohli tweeted,
“That’s the kind of presence Sachin paaji has. He lifts people even before they walk onto the field.”
The Power of Mentorship in Indian Cricket
Tendulkar’s call once again highlighted a key strength of Indian cricket its culture of mentorship.
Over the years, Sachin has guided countless young players from Virat Kohli to Rohit Sharma helping them handle pressure and focus on performance. His reaching out to the women’s captain shows how deeply he values Indian cricket as one unified family.
Sports psychologist Dr. Radhika Mehra explains,
“When advice comes from someone you idolize, your brain processes it differently. It’s not just technical it’s emotional reassurance. That’s what Sachin’s call did for Harmanpreet. It calmed the noise and reinforced belief.”
ndia’s Historic Triumph: A Night to Remember
As fireworks lit up the Mumbai sky, India’s women held the trophy high. The chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” echoed through the stadium, and the crowd began singing “Chak De India.”
Sachin Tendulkar was seen in the VIP box, clapping with pride. Cameras caught him wiping a tear as the players celebrated.
Later, when asked about the victory, he told reporters:
“This is their moment. They have shown what passion and hard work can achieve. I’m just happy I could share a few words before their big day.”
How the Women’s Team Reacted
Team members revealed that Tendulkar’s call wasn’t just for Harmanpreet — his words spread through the dressing room like wildfire. Smriti Mandhana said,
“When Harman shared what Sachin sir told her, it hit all of us. We started focusing on being calmer instead of being over-excited.”
Bowler Renuka Singh added, That advice changed our mindset. Even when South Africa built partnerships, we didn’t panic. We just stuck to the plan.” The result India played like seasoned champions, not nervous finalists.
A Message That Resonated Beyond Cricket
The story of Tendulkar’s late-night call has become more than a sports headline it’s now a symbol of leadership and mentorship across India.
From corporate leaders to school coaches, everyone has been quoting the master’s words “When things move fast, slow them down.”
It’s a mantra that goes beyond cricket applicable to business, life, and any high-pressure situation.
Behind the Scenes: Tendulkar’s Habit of Guiding
Insiders close to Tendulkar mention that this isn’t the first time he’s done something like this.
Before India’s U-19 World Cup win in 2022, he had reportedly spoken to captain Yash Dhull as well. Similarly, during India’s T20 series in 2024, he was seen spending time with young batter Shafali Verma, discussing temperament.
“Sachin sir believes sharing experience keeps the spirit of Indian cricket alive,” said a BCCI media official.
Legacy Continues Harmanpreet Joins the Elite List
With this victory, Harmanpreet Kaur joined Kapil Dev (1983) and MS Dhoni (2011) as captains who led India to a senior World Cup title.
The parallels were obvious all three captains carried belief over pressure, something that defines Indian cricket’s biggest wins. And this time, that belief had a voice the voice of Sachin Tendulkar.
In Indian cricket folklore, moments like these become timeless stories. Kapil’s 175 in 1983, Dhoni’s six in 2011, and now Sachin’s phone call in 2025.
That call wasn’t just about strategy. It was about belief, legacy, and connection. The kind of conversation that bridges generations and reminds every Indian cricketer “Once you wear the blue, you carry more than a jersey you carry dreams.”
And when the women lifted that trophy, they didn’t just win a World Cup.
They won a nation’s heart.
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