South African actress Tanja Vuur’s viral rant after India’s Women’s World Cup 2025 win slams local legends including AB de Villiers for ignoring the national women’s team. Her passionate outburst sparks a debate on support for women’s cricket in South Africa.
A dynamic and emotional video by South African actress and self-confessed “cricket nerd” Tanja Vuur has captured the internet’s attention. In the wake of India’s victory at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, Vuur’s passionate critique resonated worldwide not for her comments on India, but for spotlighting her own country’s silence.
India, You Win This World Cup” and Everyone Else Take Note,” Vuur begins by praising India’s historic achievement, celebrating it as a proud moment for both the team and the nation that supported them fervently. The tone quickly shifts, however, “India, you win this World Cup. You’re getting the applause,” she asserts, then questions, “But where were we?”
Her dismay focuses on the lack of support from South African sports figures at the World Cup final. “Who actually represented South Africa?” she demands, highlighting the absence of known personalities, including former cricket greats or even the Sports Minister, in showing solidarity for the women’s team.
Her argument gains intensity when she mentions AB de Villiers, a legend frequently spotted at IPL finals cheering for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. “AB can fly out for RCB,” Vuur remarks, “so why can’t he support his national women’s team at a World Cup final?” This comparison underscores uncomfortable truths regarding priorities and visibility in South African sports.
In stark contrast, Vuur recalls the packed stands in Navi Mumbai, where cricket icons like Rohit Sharma and Sachin Tendulkar were present to support Indian women players. “Imagine looking up and seeing Rohit Sharma there,” she adds. “That sends a message that your country stands behind you.”
Her passionate plea is not merely anger; it is infused with heartbreak and hope. Vuur questions if the absence of South African figures transmitted doubt to the players: “Was there an assumption of failure? Is that the message sent?”
Nevertheless, she commends the South African women’s team for their determination and endurance, reiterating that they “had every chance to triumph.” Her critique targets not the athletes, but the system that fails to support them properly.
As her video continues gaining traction, it is evident Vuur has initiated an important dialogue. Her genuine voice has transformed a simple post-match reaction into a national discussion one that South Africa cannot continue to overlook.
