'The universe always gives back, sometimes late': Actor Madhavan's emotional tribute to one of India's most unlucky cricketers

It was a night of history and emotion at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai as India’s women’s cricket team lifted their first-ever World Cup trophy, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final. The victory was not only about the players who took the field but also about the man who quietly guided them from behind the scenes, head coach Amol Muzumdar. As the celebrations unfolded, actor R Madhavan shared a heartfelt note, calling Muzumdar’s journey proof that "the universe always gives back, sometimes late." The actor's son, Vedaant Madhavan is a national-level swimmer with multiple international accolades.

The final match was a spectacle. South Africa looked set for a tense chase until skipper Laura Wolvaardt and Chloe Tryon were dismissed in the 42nd over. From that moment, India’s grip on the game tightened, and with just two wickets remaining, the win seemed inevitable. But beyond the fireworks and cheers, there was a deeper story, that of a man whose patience, calmness, and perseverance had shaped this victory.

All you need to know about the real-life Kabir Khan aka Amol Muzumdar


Born in Mumbai in 1974, Amol Muzumdar grew up in the city’s cricketing heartland, Shivaji Park, where legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli honed their skills under coach Ramakant Achrekar. Amol was part of that same generation, even waiting as the next batter when Tendulkar and Kambli made their famous 664-run partnership in a school match. His early promise turned into a stellar domestic career, he scored over 11,000 runs in first-class cricket, the second-highest tally in Ranji Trophy history. Yet, despite his brilliance, a call-up to the Indian national team never came.





Many would have walked away in disappointment, but Amol chose grace. He often said that while cricket didn’t give him an India cap, it gave him something more valuable, perspective. His ability to connect with players, understand their struggles, and simplify the game’s complexities made him a natural mentor. After retiring in 2014, he seamlessly moved into coaching, working with Mumbai, Andhra, and even the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. Everywhere he went, players praised his composure and clarity.

In 2023, the BCCI appointed him as head coach of the Indian women’s cricket team, a move that initially surprised some because of his lack of international playing experience.

India bleeds blue on Sunday


But Muzumdar soon silenced all doubts. He didn’t try to change his players; instead, he helped them believe in themselves again. When India’s campaign began shakily at the World Cup, he kept the dressing room grounded, telling the team to focus on “finishing well.” That shift in mindset transformed everything, from Smriti Mandhana’s elegant strokes to Harmanpreet Kaur’s fearless leadership, the team found its rhythm at the perfect time.



When India lifted the trophy, Muzumdar stood on the sidelines, arms folded, eyes moist, a man finally receiving his due. The victory wasn’t just about winning a championship; it was poetic justice for a player once forgotten by the system but never bitter about it. Under his guidance, India didn’t just play better cricket — they believed again. Now, fans are calling him the real-life Kabir Khan from Chak De India. Shah Rukh Khan played this role.

For Amol Muzumdar, the night of triumph was more than redemption. It was a reminder that sometimes, destiny takes the long route to reward those who never stop believing