Punam Raut: When we returned home, it never felt we had lost World Cup final

There are many who are still going through withdrawal symptoms after the conclusion of Women s World Cup 2017. The Indian Eves had a remarkable campaign in the tournament making it to the final for the second time. Although they had a disappointing end losing by 9 runs against England, India Women received warm reception back home. In the latest edition of Express Adda, Harmanpreet Kaur and Punam Raut revealed that they were overwhelmed with all the love they received from the country. Harmanpreet had to even skip her family vacation with the number of events lined up. Punam, on the other hand, is now finding ways to escape from few events.

With so much warmth from their fans across the country, Punam felt India never lost the World Cup, When we were playing the World Cup, we were away from social media, but we did realise that the interest levels were growing back home. When we lost the finals, we thought okay at least we re together now so we can digest it somehow, but when we return home it ll keep haunting us, this nine-run defeat. However, when I returned, the whole of Borivili was there to welcome me. It never felt like we had lost the finals.

Earlier, only Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami were known names. But now other names like Harmanpreet Kaur and Punam Raut have also become household names, she added.

Harmanpreet was taken aback with viewership numbers and fan following from across the country, From whatever we were told, only three-four matches of ours were supposed to be shown on TV. The rest were on a digital platform. But then we found out all our matches were being shown live. Then, as we reached the final, the stadium was packed and so many were watching it back home. We never expected so many people to be waiting to greet us outside the airport. There are so many events that we have to attend. Originally, I was planning a nice break with my family but we have become so busy instead.

Harmanpreet was one of the highlights of the Indian Eves campaign with her unbeaten 171 that cruised India to the final defeating the then defending champions Australia. It is not an unknown fact that Australia are known to sledge in heated clashes.

Harmanpreet reveals, Australia did sledge her during the semi-final but she found better means to silence them, There s always sledging while playing against the Aussies. It happened in the semis too. What I always think is hit them for two boundaries and a six, and everyone will fall quiet that way. It happened during a Women s Big Bash League game too.