As the echoes of New Zealand's heartbreaking ICC Women's World Cup exit fade, legendary skipper Sophie Devine delivered an emotional farewell laced with optimism for India's burgeoning women's cricket scene. In a poignant press conference following a crushing defeat to India that shattered the White Ferns' semi-final dreams, the 36-year-old all-rounder opened up about her impending ODI retirement, the challenges of captaining a small nation, and the explosive rise of her RCB teammate Smriti Mandhana.

Devine, who led New Zealand in her fifth World Cup, didn't hold back on the realities of building a cricket powerhouse from a population of just five million. "We've got to be realistic—these things don't happen overnight. We're not like India with a billion people to draw from. We're a small country at the bottom of the world," she reflected, contrasting New Zealand's grassroots struggles with India's robust domestic ecosystem. Yet, her tone shifted to excitement when discussing the subcontinent's trajectory. "I'm really thrilled about the future of the women's game here. The support and buzz around it is electric, and with the WPL carving out its spot, India can lead the charge in elevating women's cricket globally."

The Women's Premier League (WPL) has indeed been a game-changer, drawing massive crowds and investments that underscore India's growing dominance. Devine's endorsement comes at a pivotal moment, as the tournament's success signals a shift where India could pioneer innovations in player development, broadcasting, and fan engagement—areas where New Zealand, despite its storied history, lags due to limited resources.

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Amid the disappointment, Devine found solace in her team's depth. Stepping aside after Sunday's clash with England feels "easier" knowing talents like Isabelle Gaze, Brooke Halliday, Amelia Kerr, and Eden Carson are blossoming. "This side is like my baby," she admitted, her voice cracking with maternal pride. "You've been involved so long, you're so invested. I'll go through all the emotions, but it's time to reflect."

Tears welled up as she dissected the campaign's woes—weather woes that marred nearly half their matches, early losses that piled pressure, and a sense of inevitability. "I thought I'd get through without crying, but it's tough," Devine confessed. "We had fate in our hands, but we weren't good enough. The work this group put in over 12 months was phenomenal, but sport doesn't always reward effort. That's the hardest pill—that no matter how hard you train, results aren't guaranteed."

What could they have done differently? "I'm not sure—fitter, more connected? We'll dissect it, but it sucks," she sighed, her raw honesty resonating with fans worldwide who know the sting of unfulfilled potential all too well.

In a lighter vein, Devine heaped praise on Smriti Mandhana, whose blistering 105 off 95 balls proved decisive. "She's shattered records this year—runs, hundreds—and she's still young. I'm glad I'm retiring so I don't face her anymore!" the RCB stalwart joked. "You reach her skill level through relentless training and self-awareness. She's only getting better; good luck to the bowlers left behind."

Looking ahead, Devine vowed a defiant finish. "We'll dust ourselves off and go hard at England. Hopefully, we leave with heads held high." As she bows out, her words linger as both a lament and a beacon—reminding the cricket world that while New Zealand punches above its weight, India's billion-strong passion could redefine the sport's feminine frontier.

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