After the Indian women’s team won their first-ever World Cup title, captain Harmanpreet Kaur did something that left everyone emotional. During the team’s victory lap at the DY Patil Stadium, she handed the World Cup trophy to former captains Mithali Raj and Anjum Chopra, along with legendary fast bowler Jhulan Goswami. The three of them, who were part of the broadcasting team, were moved to tears as the crowd cheered for them.
India’s star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was deeply touched by this act. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he praised Harmanpreet and her team for their humility and respect. “Even yesterday, the Indian team gave the trophy to Mithali Raj. Why did they do that? I actually take my hat off to the Indian women’s team for that. The Indian men’s team has never done something like this,” Ashwin said.
The former cricketer went on to explain how rare it is to see such gestures in modern sport. “Sometimes in front of the media, we say things because that’s the media trend- that ‘this person did this’ or ‘that person did that’. But I haven’t often seen anyone giving true credit to the previous generation,” Ashwin added. “Usually, it becomes about ‘my generation’s team is good’ and ‘your generation’s team wasn’t that great.’ I’ve seen a lot of such discussions.”
Legends like Mithali Raj, Anjum Chopra, and Jhulan Goswami were the ones who planted the first seeds of women’s cricket in India. They fought through stereotypes, kept the game alive when few were watching, and inspired countless young girls to dream. This win is built on their hard work and courage. The trophy may be in new hands, but it truly belongs to them too, because they made this moment possible.
Ashwin said Harmanpreet’s gesture showed how much the current team values the hard work of those who came before them. “This women’s team – Anjum Chopra was there, Mithali Raj was there – and by handing them the trophy, they allowed them to see with joy that the seeds they once planted and nurtured are now standing tall as winners today,” he said.
He also reminded everyone that this victory was built over years of dedication and sacrifice. “I found that fascinating, unbelievably good. Because this victory that the Indian women achieved- it didn’t come today. It’s the result of 25 years of work, maybe two or even three decades,” he added.
India had fallen short in 2005 and 2017- but ended the long-awaited drought in style by clinching the coveted trophy on November 2. India’s 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup campaign was a story of determination and triumph. The team began with back-to-back wins, defeating Sri Lanka by 59 runs in Guwahati and overpowering Pakistan by 88 runs in Colombo.
A tough middle phase saw close defeats to South Africa, Australia, and England, but the team’s spirit never wavered. Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, India bounced back with a 53-run victory over New Zealand in Navi Mumbai, while rain forced the final group match against Bangladesh to end without a result.
In the semifinals, India scripted history with the highest successful chase in women’s ODI cricket, chasing 339 against Australia. The final in Navi Mumbai was a night to remember — India set a target of 298 and bowled out South Africa for 246 to claim their first-ever Women’s World Cup title.
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