Amol Muzumdar: The Nearly Man Who Became A World Cup Winner
In Indian cricket folklore, few stories resonate as powerfully as that of Amol Muzumdar — the head coach of Indian National Women’s Cricket team. For over two decades, his name was synonymous with staggering domestic feats and unfulfilled dreams, defined largely by the national cap that always eluded him. Yet, on November 2, 2025, Muzumdar finally ascended to the pinnacle of world cricket — not as a player, but as the Head Coach of the India Women’s National Cricket Team, leading them to their first ever ICC Women’s World Cup title. It was the crowning achievement for a man whose journey has forever been one of quiet perseverance and redemptive triumph.
Muzumdar’s cricketing odyssey started in the shadow of greatness. As a 13-year-old, he watched from the pavilion, pads on (that too for two days), during the legendary 664-run partnership between his schoolmates Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli — a scene which would come to symbolise his own fate: always waiting in the wings. His first-class debut in 1993 was nothing short of spectacular, scoring a then world-record 260 not out. Over a remarkable 21-year professional career, Muzumdar would rack up 11,167 first-class runs at an impressive average of 48.13, with 30 centuries to his name. He was a stalwart and captain for Mumbai, leading them to Ranji Trophy wins and cementing his status as one of domestic cricket’s all-time greats.
Despite these exploits, Muzumdar found the door to the national squad closed by the presence of a talented golden generation – Tendulkar, Dravid, Ganguly, and Laxman. His absence from the Indian side became a tragic talking point, earning him the moniker “The Nearly Man” of Indian cricket.
Undeterred, Muzumdar transitioned to coaching, bringing his deep experience to roles with the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL and as consultant with the South Africa and Netherlands men’s teams. In October 2023, he was named head coach of the Indian women’s team, a move met with curiosity given he had never played international cricket himself. Nevertheless, Muzumdar infused the squad with belief and methodical calm, described as having a “Ted Lasso spirit” – encouraging, composed, and quietly resolute.
Throughout the ICC World Cup 2025, Muzumdar’s strategies and steadiness proved decisive. After a tough group stage, his clarity shone through during the semi-final against defending champions Australia: a simple whiteboard message, “We just need one more run than them to reach the final”, distilled the moment. India’s chase of 339 became the largest in women’s ODI history, with Jemimah Rodrigues leading with an unbeaten 127.
In the final at DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai – his home turf, India posted 298/7 thanks to Shafali Verma’s 87, then bowled out South Africa to seal a commanding 52-run win and lift their maiden World Cup trophy. Muzumdar, once overlooked, was now hailed as a champion architect. His tactical acumen – such as promoting Jemimah Rodrigues to number three and backing emerging stars – transformed the team’s fortunes.
