'We’ve opened the door, now it’s your turn to walk through it. I want every girl to know this'
Skipper of India’s World Cup winning women’s squad, Harmanpreet Kaur tasted World Cup glory for the first time in her fifth attempt. It hasn’t been an easy road for the star player. She tells Bombay Times why all the struggle and near misses were worth it as it led to this iconic moment, that is bound to be a game changer for women’s sports in India. Excerpts…
The DY Patil stadium in Navi Mumbai was packed to the brim for the finals. How did it feel to have a full house cheering for you?
Unbelievable. I’ve never seen such energy before. Hearing the crowd chant “India! India!” gave me goosebumps. Women’s cricket has never seen that kind of atmosphere before — it felt like a festival, not just a match. It showed how far we’ve come.
This is your first World Cup win as captain, and it came in your fifth WC appearance. What has this long wait and struggle taught you?
Honestly, this journey has been full of ups and downs. It taught me patience, belief, and the power of never giving up. Every failure, every near miss — they all built this moment. Mujhe laga tha har baar hum close aaye, lekin destiny had
something special planned for this one. Today, all that struggle feels worth it.
The 1983 World Cup win led by Kapil Dev put India on the map in world cricket. Do you think your win will do the same for women’s cricket in India and globally?
1983 changed everything for men’s cricket. I truly believe 2025 will do the same for women’s cricket. This win is not just for us — it’s for every little girl who’s ever picked up a bat and dreamed big. From now on, India will not just watch women’s cricket but believe in it.
What changes do you wish to see in women’s cricket after this iconic win?
I want to see more investment in grassroots, more domestic tournaments, and equal facilities. The talent is already there; all we need is the right system to polish it. And I hope after this win, every young girl gets the same opportunities in sports that the boys do.
They say success changes everything, but failure is a great teacher. Is that true?
Hundred per cent! Failure teaches you what success never can. Every heartbreak — 2017, 2023 — made us tougher. We learned how to fight back, how to stay calm under pressure. You don’t become a champion overnight; you become one through your failures.
You said after the win, “Winning needs to be a habit now.” Tell us more.
I said that because I don’t want this to be a one-time moment. I want this to become India’s new normal. Winning should become our culture — not our surprise. Every young player who joins the team should come with this mindset — We’re here to win.
Kapil Dev, MS Dhoni , Rohit Sharma , and now you — you’re among the World Cup–winning captains of India. What does that feel like?
It’s surreal. To even be mentioned with those names — Kapil Paaji, Mahi Bhai, Rohit — it’s an honor. They inspired generations, and if our win can inspire even one generation of girls, then my job as a captain is done.
Do you see this maiden Women’s World Cup win a game changer for women’s sports in India?
Absolutely. This win is not just for cricket — it’s for every woman athlete in India. It shows that if you dream it, you can achieve it. I hope this brings more spotlight, more sponsors, and more respect to women’s sports in our country.
Will this iconic win enable more girls to take up cricket as a career?
Yes, 100%. I want every girl watching this to know — this is your time. Pick up the bat, the ball, the gloves — whatever you love. We’ve opened the door, now it’s your turn to walk through it. Dream bold, play fearless, and make India proud.
Skipper of India’s World Cup winning women’s squad, Harmanpreet Kaur tasted World Cup glory for the first time in her fifth attempt. It hasn’t been an easy road for the star player. She tells Bombay Times why all the struggle and near misses were worth it as it led to this iconic moment, that is bound to be a game changer for women’s sports in India. Excerpts…
The DY Patil stadium in Navi Mumbai was packed to the brim for the finals. How did it feel to have a full house cheering for you?
Unbelievable. I’ve never seen such energy before. Hearing the crowd chant “India! India!” gave me goosebumps. Women’s cricket has never seen that kind of atmosphere before — it felt like a festival, not just a match. It showed how far we’ve come.
This is your first World Cup win as captain, and it came in your fifth WC appearance. What has this long wait and struggle taught you?
Honestly, this journey has been full of ups and downs. It taught me patience, belief, and the power of never giving up. Every failure, every near miss — they all built this moment. Mujhe laga tha har baar hum close aaye, lekin destiny had
something special planned for this one. Today, all that struggle feels worth it.
The 1983 World Cup win led by Kapil Dev put India on the map in world cricket. Do you think your win will do the same for women’s cricket in India and globally?
1983 changed everything for men’s cricket. I truly believe 2025 will do the same for women’s cricket. This win is not just for us — it’s for every little girl who’s ever picked up a bat and dreamed big. From now on, India will not just watch women’s cricket but believe in it.
What changes do you wish to see in women’s cricket after this iconic win?
I want to see more investment in grassroots, more domestic tournaments, and equal facilities. The talent is already there; all we need is the right system to polish it. And I hope after this win, every young girl gets the same opportunities in sports that the boys do.
They say success changes everything, but failure is a great teacher. Is that true?
Hundred per cent! Failure teaches you what success never can. Every heartbreak — 2017, 2023 — made us tougher. We learned how to fight back, how to stay calm under pressure. You don’t become a champion overnight; you become one through your failures.
You said after the win, “Winning needs to be a habit now.” Tell us more.
I said that because I don’t want this to be a one-time moment. I want this to become India’s new normal. Winning should become our culture — not our surprise. Every young player who joins the team should come with this mindset — We’re here to win.
Kapil Dev, MS Dhoni , Rohit Sharma , and now you — you’re among the World Cup–winning captains of India. What does that feel like?
It’s surreal. To even be mentioned with those names — Kapil Paaji, Mahi Bhai, Rohit — it’s an honor. They inspired generations, and if our win can inspire even one generation of girls, then my job as a captain is done.
Do you see this maiden Women’s World Cup win a game changer for women’s sports in India?
Absolutely. This win is not just for cricket — it’s for every woman athlete in India. It shows that if you dream it, you can achieve it. I hope this brings more spotlight, more sponsors, and more respect to women’s sports in our country.
Will this iconic win enable more girls to take up cricket as a career?
Yes, 100%. I want every girl watching this to know — this is your time. Pick up the bat, the ball, the gloves — whatever you love. We’ve opened the door, now it’s your turn to walk through it. Dream bold, play fearless, and make India proud.
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