India women’s cricket team finally brought an end to the drought by lifting its first-ever World Cup, ending a wait that lasted for generations. After coming so close in 2005 and again in 2017, the team has now crossed the finish line. This win is not only for the current players but also for former captain Mithali Raj, who spent years taking Indian women’s cricket forward and carrying the team through many highs and lows.
For Mithali, the victory felt deeply emotional. She said, “Watching India lift the trophy was overwhelming. As a commentator, I followed every step of their journey, but deep down I was living it with them. Before the semis against Australia, I was nervous. That rivalry always stirs old memories. In the final, I felt we were a few runs short, and as SA built partnerships, the tension was getting to me. I couldn’t bear to watch the last few overs. Then came that deafening roar, we had finally done it… When I lifted the trophy with them, it felt like things had come a full circle after years of dreams and heartbreaks.”
Having led teams that fell just short twice, the moment meant even more to her. She said, “Having led the teams that finished runners-up in 2005 and 2017, I know the heartbreak. For years, we watched Australia and England dominate the world stage. This time, it was our turn to make history. Winning at home makes it even more special. This team didn’t just play for themselves; they played for every girl who ever picked up a bat dreaming of wearing the India colours. Now that they’ve tasted what it feels like to win, many more titles will follow.”
Mithali also spoke about how far the team has come since her early playing days. She feels every phase has pushed women’s cricket forward, and the women’s league has played a huge role in helping Indian players grow. Sharing dressing rooms with international stars, learning from them, and getting regular competitive matches has made the younger generation more confident and fearless.
Talking about India’s campaign, she said the turning point came when Jemimah Rodrigues played a brilliant 127* against Australia. She explained that this innings arrived at the perfect time and helped India regain balance after the New Zealand game, where the team added a sixth bowling option. Jemimah’s clarity and bold approach in chasing a massive target not only took India into the final but also gave the entire squad belief that they could truly win the title.
There was also a lot of discussion around Shafali Verma not making the original squad. Mithali admitted that selection decisions are always difficult, but she felt Shafali should have at least been kept in the reserves because of her ability to change games early on. In the end, Shafali showed exactly why she is special. Her strong performance in the final, both with the bat (87) and ball (2 wickets) proved her maturity and big-match temperament.
India’s first Women’s World Cup marks a new beginning. It is a win for every girl who ever dreamed of representing the country. And for Mithali Raj, it is the moment that finally brings her long journey full circle.
(Quotes sourced from Hindustan Times)
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