From dingy hostel rooms to second-class unreserved train travel; from uncertain match schedules to
training and competing on grounds that hardly deserved to host them ̶ Indian women’s cricket has
indeed come a very, very long way.
To all those who played before me, with me, to all those whom I coach, and to every player who will
one day pick up this sport after what happened last night ̶ this victory is unparalleled. It’s an
emotion beyond words, one that can only be felt. Not just by those who’ve played the game, but by
everyone who’s lived it, followed it, supported it, or simply believed in it. The tears shed last night
were the happiest ones ever.
What a night it was ̶ a night to remember, a night when India set the stage on fire. A phenomenal
semifinal, a hard-fought battle against the former world champions. One would have thought India had
already reached its pinnacle ̶ that she no longer needed to prove anything to the world. But no, that
river had been crossed years ago.
This time, we needed to prove something to ourselves ̶ that we could go the distance. And go the
distance we did. When we beat Australia in that unforgettable semifinal, and Jemimah Rodrigues
poured her heart out about her struggles, her sleepless nights, her anxiety ̶ the world saw what lies
behind the curtain of glamour. The unseen grind, the tears, the quiet resilience that defines an athlete’s
life.
All of it ̶ the failures, the fatigue, the relentless training ̶ culminated into this one extraordinary
moment when the world celebrated India. And suddenly, it all seemed worth it.
When Harmanpreet Kaur lifted the coveted trophy and passed it to every single teammate,
acknowledging each of their contributions, she showed her class as a leader. What stood out this
tournament was her ability to stay calm amid chaos ̶ her internal chatter silenced, her mind
razor-sharp. The noise of the world didn’t reach her; she allowed reason to lead instinct.
And when she handed that cup to India’s former captains ̶ Mithali Raj, Anjum Chopra, and the
incomparable Jhulan Goswami ̶ she knew she had done it not just for herself, but for everyone who
came before her.
For the first time, India’s name stood proudly on that World Champions board. More trophies will
surely follow, but this first one ̶ this one will remain etched in our hearts forever.
To our opponents, South Africa ̶ what a journey it has been for them too. Three ICC finals.
Heartbreak after heartbreak. Like Harman said, “We know how it feels to lose; we wanted to know
how it feels to win.” South Africa must be wondering the same ̶ when will it be our turn?
They are doing everything right. Their day will come. Nasser Hussain once called India a “sleeping
giant” ̶ now fully awake. And when South Africa rises, the world of women’s cricket will be
richer for it. The domination of the game will no longer belong to a few ̶ but to many, who dare to
challenge and redefine what greatness looks like. The landscape of women’s cricket has been altered
for generations to come.
India’s biggest challenge after that emotional semifinal was to not let those conversations overshadow
the World Cup final. The applause, the praise, the memories ̶ all of it could easily have pulled them
off focus. But they chose to stay in the moment.
Every ball mattered. Every mistake was left behind. The post-mortems could wait. The only thing that
counted was what came next.
When Shefali Verma replacing an injured Pratik Rawal, failing in the semifinals but dominating in the
finals, ably supported by Smriti Mandhana, the blue-eyed girl of Indian cricket, it set the tone for
India’s batting. Jemimah despite a relatively low contribution, reminded us that if not for her
semifinal heroics and courage India wouldn’t be there. Harmanpreet, unusually calm yet fierce within,
anchored the spirit. Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Richa Ghosh ̶ all stepped up just when India
needed them most.
With the ball, Renuka Singh, the young Kranthi Gaud, and Shree Charani carried the attack with heart
and precision, alongside the experience of Deepti and the agility of Amanjot. That first run-out, that
juggling catch of Laura Wolvaardt ̶ they’re already moments of folklore, and Amanjot shall take
centre stage. Player of the series Deepti, just felt it was her time to become the ultimate torch bearer for
the women in blue. Not even the Gods could have stopped Shafali yesterday. Captain when India lifted
the inaugural U19 World Cup and Player of the match in the finals of the World Cup. It was Destiny I
guess that she was brought out of wilderness and got her intertwined with history.
And finally, who else but Harmanpreet to close it out ̶ the same player who ignited a revolution in
2017 with her 171* in the semifinal, now sealing India’s destiny with a catch that crowned her legacy.
The sprint that followed said it all ̶ joy, relief, pride, disbelief ̶ all rolled into one unstoppable
motion.
The dream was realized. The future secured. The lives of so many forever changed.
When Harman lifted that trophy again, you could see it ̶ the same pride she had when she first wore
that Indian cap. She thanked everyone who made it possible. That’s what true leaders do. And shine
she did ̶ bright as Venus on a clear night sky.
This moment will remain close to our hearts ̶ not because it was the first, or the last ̶ but because it
created belief. In every young girl who dares to dream. In every coach, every parent, every player who
has given their all for this sport.
Tears were shed, joy was shared, and pride overflowed.
November 2, 2025 ̶ history was made. But it’s the future that will define this history.
Jai Hind.
