Out of favour opening batsman Gautam Gambhir believes that if India can go on to win the Women's World Cup in England tomorrow, it will be a bigger feat than the men winning the 2011 World Cup. India defeated Sri Lanka at Wankhede in 2011 to lift the coveted trophy after 28 long years under MS Dhoni's leadership.
"Indian women reaching the final has inspired a lot of girls in the country. They are one step away from creating history," Gambhir told ESPNcricinfo.
"I genuinely believe that if they go on to win this World Cup, this is going to be bigger than India winning the men's 2011 World Cup. Because back then, we were the favourites to win the title at home," said Gambhir, who had made a match winning 97 in the 2011 World Cup final against Sri Lanka.
Courtesy Harmanpreet Kaur's memorable knock, India stunned defending champions Australia by 36 runs to reach the finals of the ICC Women's World Cup 2017 in Derby on Thursday.
Harmanpreet played one of greatest ever ODI knocks in women's cricket as she scored a scintillating 171* off just 115 balls that included 20 smashing boundaries and seven huge maximums. It is only the second time that India have entered the summit clash of the global event, having lost to Australia in the final of the 2005 edition. Skipper Mithali Raj and senior pacer Jhulan Goswami were part of the Indian team which had lost then in Centurion.
The 'Women In Blue' will meet hosts England in the final at the Lord's on Sunday.
(With PTI Inputs)
