"She'll Have Her Guitar": Sunil Gavaskar's Heartwarming Promise if India Wins World Cup

Legendary India captain Sunil Gavaskar has made a delightful promise that has captured the hearts of cricket fans across generations: if Harmanpreet Kaur's side wins the Women's ODI World Cup 2025, he will perform a musical duet with star batter Jemimah Rodrigues. The charming offer comes after Jemimah's match-winning unbeaten 127 powered India to a record-breaking five-wicket victory over defending champions Australia in the semifinal at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on October 30.

A Promise Rooted in Musical History

Gavaskar's offer is not entirely new territory for the two. During the BCCI Naman Awards in 2024, the two shared an impromptu musical moment—with Jemimah strumming her guitar while Gavaskar lent his vocals to perform the iconic song "Kya Hua Tera Wada" from the 1970s film Hum Kisise Kum Naheen. That performance went viral on social media and endeared both to fans with its warmth and spontaneity.

"If India win the World Cup, she and I—if she's okay with it—will sing a song together. She'll have her guitar, and I'll sing along," Gavaskar told Sports Today, with characteristic warmth. "We actually did that once at one of the BCCI awards a couple of years back. There was a band playing, and we just decided to join in. She was on the guitar, and I sang with my whatever voice I have. But if India win, I would love to do it again—if she is happy to do that with an old man. I am all for it."

The self-deprecating humor and genuine affection in Gavaskar's words have endeared the promise to fans, many of whom are already hoping India clinches the title so they can witness this special musical moment.

Jemimah's Fairytale Comeback

The timing of Gavaskar's promise couldn't have been more fitting, given Jemimah's own incredible personal journey over the past few months. The Mumbai batter's emotional interview after the semifinal victory revealed the depth of her struggle and resilience.

"Firstly, I want to thank Jesus. I couldn't have carried it alone," said Jemimah, named Player of the Match for her unbeaten 127. "Last six months have been tough. I was dropped from this World Cup last year, and I have cried every day. I was going through anxiety. I just had to show up every day, and God carried me through."

Earlier in the tournament, Jemimah had managed just 65 runs in four innings, including two ducks, and was even benched for the group match against England. Yet on the biggest stage—a World Cup semifinal against the mighty Australians—she produced a masterclass. Her innings featured 14 boundaries and demonstrated maturity, composure, and technical brilliance under immense pressure.

A Record-Breaking Chase

Jemimah's 127-run stand with captain Harmanpreet Kaur (63) was pivotal in orchestrating India's historic chase. Their 167-run partnership for the third wicket broke multiple records:

Highest partnership in any Women's World Cup knockout match

Highest partnership against Australia in Women's World Cup history

India's highest chase in Women's ODI history (341/5 in 48.3 overs)

Highest successful chase across all ODI World Cup knockouts—men's or women's

From Despair to Glory

What makes Jemimah's performance even more poignant is the trajectory of her recent cricket. When asked about the last six months in her post-match interview, she spoke candidly about her mental and emotional struggles.

"The last four months have been really tough, but it feels like a dream. It hasn't fully sunk in yet," Jemimah said. "I was dropped from this World Cup last year, and I cried every day. When I couldn't move forward, my teammates pushed me. I didn't do anything alone; it all happened because of them."

Her words captured the essence of what makes sport's greatest moments so transcendent—not just the runs or the victories, but the human stories of perseverance, faith, and collective belief that underpin them.

A Symbol of Generational Connection

Gavaskar's promise to sing with Jemimah if India wins symbolizes more than a musical duet. It represents a beautiful bridge between cricket's legendary past and its exciting present. Gavaskar, who captained India to their first World Cup victory in 1983, now supporting and celebrating the next generation of champions, is a poignant reminder of cricket's continuity and evolution.

The image of "Sunny G"—now in his mid-seventies—lending his voice while a young, talented batter strums her guitar would be a triumph in itself, regardless of whether India lifts the trophy.

The Road to the Final

India now face South Africa in the World Cup final on Sunday, November 2, at the DY Patil Stadium. South Africa defeated England by 10 runs in the first semifinal at Guwahati, setting up a blockbuster summit clash with the hosts.

With Jemimah's form peaking at the right moment, Harmanpreet Kaur's steady leadership, and the collective belief of a team that has clawed back from adversity, India will fancy their chances of ending a long wait for their first-ever Women's ODI World Cup title.

And if they do, Sunil Gavaskar's promise—to share the stage with Jemimah Rodrigues, guitar in hand—will be the perfect celebration of a historic triumph.