We Slept on Floors: Shantha Rangaswamy Recalls Struggles Before India Women’s Cricket Rise

As India’s women’s cricket team prepares for the historic ODI World Cup final against South Africa, the nation’s first-ever women’s team captain Shantha Rangaswamy has reflected on the remarkable journey and the struggles that shaped women’s cricket in India.

In a heartfelt interview, Rangaswamy recalled the hardships faced during her playing days, long before women’s cricket gained national recognition. Speaking to PTI, she revealed that the players once had to sleep on dormitory floors and carry their own bedding during tours — a stark contrast to the professional facilities and respect the team enjoys today.

“From traveling in unreserved train coaches to sleeping on floors in dormitories, we carried our own bedding and essentials everywhere we went. We would strap our cricket kits like backpacks and hold our suitcases in one hand,” Rangaswamy shared.

Rangaswamy, who captained India between 1976 and 1991, said those days of struggle were also filled with determination and passion for the game. “We had no financial support or recognition, but we played because we loved cricket,” she added.

Her reflections come at a momentous time for the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian team, which is just one step away from clinching its first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup title. India defeated defending champions Australia in the semi-final to set up a blockbuster final against Laura Wolvaardt’s South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

Rangaswamy expressed immense pride in how far women’s cricket has come, crediting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and state associations for their support.

“We are so happy to see the current generation getting all the facilities they deserve. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, and the results are visible now. The collective efforts of the girls, the BCCI, and everyone involved have made women’s cricket stronger than ever,” she said.

She also praised Jay Shah, who as the BCCI secretary introduced key reforms, including the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2023 and the decision to ensure equal match fees for male and female players.

“When Jay Shah was BCCI secretary, his reforms transformed women’s cricket. I say this with conviction because I was part of the apex council. The Women’s Premier League and pay parity have given players hope and financial stability,” Rangaswamy added.

Women’s cricket in India has indeed come a long way. From the days of financial neglect and logistical hardships to the modern era of televised tournaments and global recognition, the transformation is historic.

Rangaswamy believes India’s victory in the final could trigger a new wave of inspiration. “If Harmanpreet and her team lift the World Cup, the number of girls taking up cricket could double or triple. This is the moment that could redefine women’s sports in India,” she said with optimism.

India’s women have reached the World Cup final twice before — in 2005 and 2017 under Mithali Raj’s captaincy — but fell just short both times. A victory on home soil would not only fulfill a decades-long dream but also honor the legacy of pioneers like Shantha Rangaswamy, who laid the foundation for future generations.

“The foundation we laid nearly 50 years ago is bearing fruit now,” she concluded proudly.