'The standards were set very high' - Sanju Samson on India's 2025 Women's World Cup triumph

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has expressed his elation at the Indian Women's team lifting their first-ever ICC Trophy, winning the 50-over World Cup in 2025 at home.

Harmanpreet Kaur's team defended a score of 299 to win by 52 runs against a dominant South Africa side, becoming the first Indian women's team to lift an ICC trophy. Samson lauded the team for their achievement and spoke of the hard work and effort that went into it behind the scenes.

"We were all watching the final. My family members and everyone else were glued to the TV. It was a special moment for all of us in the country. We had been waiting for it for a long time. We knew we were capable of winning the World Cup, yet while we were so close, we were very far. I was very happy for all the players in the team. There was so much hard work behind it and so many great stories within the squad itself. It was a proud moment for all of us," Samson said, speaking to JioStar.

Samson stated that the Women's team winning the World Cup on Indian soil set the standard for the men's team, who went on to defend their T20 World Cup crown at home in early 2026. Samson was the player of the tournament, scoring 321 runs in five innings.

"I think the standards were set very high for us. They won the World Cup and put us on a stage where we felt that we could do the same in India. It was a great moment that both World Cups happened in India and that we won them. So, yes, that victory definitely played a part," Samson said.

In the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup, India's final group stage fixture is against Australia at Lord's. Samson stated that despite the six-time champions being the dominant force in the women's game, India enter the clash as strong favourites due to their triumph in the last ICC tournament.

"A lot of respect goes to the Australian team. I think the reason we hold them in such high regard is that they were the most dominant cricketing nation when we were growing up. Every World Cup seemed to be won by Australia. But now, I think the roles have reversed. We are the champions, and we play and compete with the same attitude. So, yes, there is a lot of respect for them as an opponent," Samson added.

India Women were beaten by South Africa Women on Sunday, June 21, at Old Trafford, failing to defend 159 and losing by six wickets. The loss makes their clash against the Aussies on June 28 a must-win game, if they are to make the semifinals of the tournament.