Now it’s about bringing more girls to the field, says Harmanpreet Kaur
India has witnessed countless cricketing milestones, but November 2, 2025, will forever stand out as a landmark moment in the story of women’s cricket. Fourteen years after MS Dhoni’s men lifted the 2011 World Cup, Harmanpreet Kaur and her spirited squad fondly hailed as Harmanpreet’s Hurricanes scripted history by winning the ICC Women’s World Cup for the first time. Their triumph not only ignited celebrations across the nation but also marked a new era for women’s cricket in India.
Fresh off her world-beating campaign, the skipper arrived in Chennai on November 13, 2025, where she was honoured at felicitation events hosted by Velammal Nexus and Sathyabama University. In her interactions, Harmanpreet spoke at length about the unforgettable semifinal, the emotional journey to the title, and the future of women’s cricket with a powerful message at its heart: bring more girls to the field.
A Semifinal for the Ages
Harmanpreet recalled the breathtaking semifinal a thrilling record chase of 338 that dethroned the mighty Australians. “We knew how strong Australia was and were prepared for a tough fight. The situation was very difficult when I went in, but I was determined to take responsibility and remain calm,” she shared.
A critical turning point was her partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues. “The partnership with Jemimah was really crucial. She was confident and composed. We told each other to keep fighting and stay positive. Once we gained some momentum, the belief grew, and we pulled through eventually. Jemimah’s century was outstanding,” Harmanpreet said at the Velammal event.
The Emotional Weight of the World Cup Win
Speaking about the significance of lifting the trophy, the skipper noted how much the victory meant not just to the team, but to the sport itself.
“Winning the World Cup means a lot, and as a team, we knew the importance. The moment you don’t have an ICC title, it feels empty. We really wanted to fulfill this goal... and now we have,” she expressed during the interaction at Sathyabama University.
“Now It’s About Bringing More Girls to the Field”
Harmanpreet emphasised that Indian women’s cricket is moving in the right direction, but the next phase of growth depends on expanding participation.
“A lot of positive changes have already happened. As players, we ask for more matches, which we’re now getting. Now it’s about bringing more girls to the field and increasing competition, just like in men’s cricket. More competition will make the players and the team stronger,” she said.
This vision to build a deeper talent pool echoes the evolution of men’s cricket, where healthy rivalry has consistently raised performance standards.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Girls
The impact of the World Cup victory is already visible. Harmanpreet shared heartwarming messages from young fans: “We’ve received messages from kids saying they’re now going to cricket academies. That’s exactly what we wanted to inspire more girls to take up the sport. Seeing families encouraging their kids to play makes it even more special.”
Her words paint a bright future one where more young girls step onto the field, fueled by belief, opportunity, and visible role models.
Conclusion
India’s first Women’s World Cup win is more than a trophy it is a turning point. With increased support, more matches, and a renewed push to bring girls into the game, women’s cricket is poised for unprecedented growth. And at the centre of this revolution stands Harmanpreet Kaur, not just as a champion, but as a leader determined to make the sport accessible, competitive, and inspiring for generations to come.
