‘Go and buy a mirror’: Harmanpreet recalls coach’s blunt message during World Cup

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur revealed the strong message delivered by head coach Amol Muzumdar during the team’s difficult phase at the Women’s World Cup 2025, saying it helped the players take a hard look at themselves before turning their campaign around and eventually winning the title.

After starting the tournament with two victories, India suffered three consecutive defeats, including a loss to England that left their World Cup hopes hanging by a thread. According to Harmanpreet, it was after that defeat that Muzumdar addressed the team in a way they had rarely seen before.

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“After the England match, I think Amol sir was the only one who spoke, and he was very straightforward. Everybody took it in the right spirit because we all knew there was nothing wrong in what he was saying. That was the first time I saw his volume go a little high because he is usually a very soft-spoken person. I remember him saying, ‘Go and buy a mirror and see what you’re doing and what you need to do at that stage,’” Harmanpreet said on JioStar.

The message appeared to have the desired effect as India bounced back strongly when it mattered most. They defeated New Zealand in a must-win game to stay alive in the tournament before producing two memorable performances in the knockout stages.

India first stunned Australia in the semifinal and then defeated South Africa in the final to lift the Women’s World Cup trophy.

Harmanpreet also spoke about her approach to handling pressure during major tournaments. The Indian skipper said she prefers to stay away from social media and outside opinions to protect her mental space and remain focused on her game.

“I don’t use social media much because I think it can drain you mentally. So, I don’t read stuff, especially during tournaments, whether I’m doing well or not,” she said.
“I don’t like to read too much into it. Maybe after the tournament, I go through a few things, which I think is important. Because I also know that if I’m doing well, I know I’m doing well, and if I’m not doing well, I don’t need to read what others are thinking or take advice from everyone,” she added.

Harmanpreet and the Indian team are currently involved in a three-match T20I series against England, which serves as an important part of their preparations for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.