Who Is Phula Saren, India’s Blind Cricket World Cup Hero. In the history books of Indian cricket, there is a new, unforgettable chapter written by a team that achieved what many deemed impossible. The Indian women’s team recently completed a flawless, unbeaten run to clinch the inaugural Women’s T20 Blind Cricket World Cup in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This victory was a triumph of resilience, skill, and sheer heart. While the entire squad deserves praise, one name shone brighter than any other in the final: Phula Saren. Everyone wants to know the story behind this sensational athlete, and the question of who is Phula Saren has rightfully gone viral across the nation.
Phula Saren is more than just a cricketer; she is a symbol of resistance and a beacon of hope for countless girls navigating challenges in rural India. Hailing from the quiet village of Salabani in Balasore, Odisha, her journey from hardship to World Cup glory is a powerful testament to the human spirit. She represents the next generation of Indian athletes who are not defined by their challenges, but by their extraordinary achievements. By understanding her background and her crucial role in the final, we can truly appreciate the answer to who is Phula Saren.
Read about the Blind Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 prize purse.
The Final Flourish: The Match-Winning Innings
The final on November 23, 2025, saw India face a determined Nepal side. Chasing a target of $115$ runs, the Indian batters approached the chase with calm authority. The moment that defined the match, and arguably the tournament, belonged entirely to Phula Saren.
Player of the Match Performance
While the scorebook recorded a comprehensive seven-wicket victory for India, it was Saren’s blistering performance that ensured the chase was executed in rapid time—just $12.1$ overs.
- Batting Dominance: Phula Saren walked in and instantly changed the pace of the game. She smashed an incredible $44$ runs off just $27$ balls, an innings peppered with four stylish boundaries. Her strike rate of approximately $163$ in the pressure cooker of a World Cup final was phenomenal and secured her the Player of the Match award.
- All-Round Contribution: As an all-rounder, Saren’s contribution was not limited to the bat. Her tight bowling spells, which included an economical three overs for just $20$ runs, helped restrict Nepal to a manageable total, showing her immense value across all facets of the game.
Her ability to remain composed under intense pressure while guiding the team across the finish line with such authority immediately cemented her status as a national hero. The answer to who is Phula Saren became instantly synonymous with “champion finisher.”
More Than a Final: Phula Saren’s Tournament Dominance
Saren’s final-day heroics were not an isolated incident; they were the culmination of a dominant campaign by the entire Indian squad, a campaign in which she was a consistent star. Digging deeper into the answer of who is Phula Saren reveals a player with a history of outstanding performances.
As a B3 category player (low vision), Saren utilizes her exceptional focus, instinct, and the distinct rattling sound of the specialized cricket ball to master her craft. Her full tournament stats confirm her status as an elite performer:
- Average: Saren maintained an extraordinary batting average of $137.00$ across her four innings.
- Strike Rate: Her tournament strike rate stood at a destructive $177.92$, highlighting her role as a dangerous run-scorer.
- Earlier Brilliance: Against Australia in the league stage, she was equally explosive, scoring a rapid-fire $54$ not out off just $22$ balls in a match that India won by a massive $209$ runs, proving her class runs deep throughout the competition.
These statistics underscore the fact that she was a top contender for the unofficial “Player of the Series” title, alongside teammates like Basanti Hansda (who was key in the semi-final) and captain Deepika T.C.
A VISIONARY Journey: The Triumph Over Adversity
The human element of who is Phula Saren lies in the inspiring story of her background. Born in Odisha, she faced the triple challenge of a rural upbringing, financial hardship, and visual impairment. For visually impaired women in India, the path to mainstream sport is often fraught with barriers, societal stereotypes, and limited resources.
Saren’s refusal to be defined by these limits led her to cricket. Encouraged by dedicated coaches, the sound of the rattling cricket ball became her beacon of hope. This determination has not only led to a World Cup title but also to previous VISIONARY achievements:
- IBSA World Games Gold (2023): Saren served as Vice-Captain of the Indian team that created history by winning the Gold medal at the IBSA World Games in Birmingham.
- Financial Recognition: Her success has brought deserved financial security, including a notable cash prize from the Odisha Chief Minister, offering recognition that extends far beyond the cricket pitch.
The Indian women’s blind cricket team, and especially Saren, did not just win a medal; they won respect and fundamentally shifted the narrative around disability and sporting capability in India.
In the end, the question of who is Phula Saren is answered not just by her $44^*$ runs, but by the thousands of young visually impaired girls across the country who will now pick up a bat, guided by the sound of her success. She is a World Champion, a Player of the Match, and a powerful VISIONARY inspiration for generations to come.
