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India’s women’s cricket team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, had claimed their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup title, and with it, a place in the annals of history. The journey had been long, filled with hard-fought battles, near-misses, and moments of despair. From heartbreaks in 2005 and 2017 to this ultimate triumph, the nation stood united in a bittersweet euphoria. But this victory, this culmination of generations of struggle, was more than just the lifting of a trophy; it was a legacy fulfilled.
Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami’s emotional reaction on India’s Women’s World Cup 2025
Mithali Raj, the woman who had carried India’s hopes through the thick and thin, could only whisper a heartfelt ‘thank you’ as the Indian team handed her the trophy. A legend in every sense, Mithali’s journey was one of grace, consistency, and unyielding commitment. The first captain to lead India to a Women’s World Cup final, she had come agonizingly close to the title twice, in 2005 and again in 2017.
But on November 3, 2025, as she stood holding the World Cup for the first time, not as a player, but as a proud spectator of her team’s victory, the weight of her career’s dedication seemed to lift. Her eyes glistened with joy, her words, though few, spoke volumes. Mithali’s leadership laid the foundation for this historic victory, nurturing players like Harmanpreet, Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma, all of whom would go on to become the torchbearers of women’s cricket. This World Cup was as much her dream as it was theirs.
For Jhulan Goswami, the night of November 3, 2025, was one of unbridled emotion. The fast bowler who had shattered records with over 200 wickets in ODIs and stood as one of the most formidable forces in women’s cricket could no longer hold back her tears. As the trophy was handed to her, the weight of her career, her struggles, and her triumphs overwhelmed her. Holding the World Cup, she was not just a cricketer celebrating a victory; she was the embodiment of resilience a woman who had given everything for this moment.
With tears streaming down her face, she hugged Harmanpreet tightly her protégé, her greatest support. The pain of the past, the close calls, and the years of perseverance culminated in a moment of pure joy. She celebrated with teammates like Smriti and Richa Ghosh. Together, they were not just celebrating a World Cup; they were celebrating the journey that led them here one of sacrifice, passion, and countless dreams that had finally come true.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s tribute to Mithali, Jhulan, Anjum Chopra and Reema Malhotra
Once the victory lap began, Harmanpreet ensured the celebration became more than a team affair, it became a tribute to an entire era. With her teammates gathered, she turned toward the stands where Mithali and Jhulan stood, waiting silently, their eyes reflecting years of unfulfilled dreams. Harmanpreet approached them, embraced them both, and handed over the trophy, a gesture that transcended symbolism. It was the torch of Indian cricket being passed back to its flame-bearers. Jhulan, overwhelmed, wept openly; Mithali, ever composed, smiled through misty eyes, the words ‘thank you’ all she could manage.
Anjum Chopra, another pillar of Indian cricket, joined in, recalling the shared years of guidance and growth. Reema Malhotra’s voice rang out with emotion as she sang beside them, turning the stadium into a symphony of gratitude. Those words reflected an emotional lineage, from the trailblazers to the torchbearers. The night didn’t just mark India’s first World Cup victory; it united generations of cricketers under one unforgettable, tear-streaked celebration, the moment women’s cricket in India truly became eternal.
Emotions so high, that Anjum Chopra did an interview with Harmanpreet in Punjabi on the World feed (which is in English 😭).. Harman spoke so so well here. So good. Look at how happy Reema is for her.
Best interview from the night imo. #HarmanpreetKaur #IndianWomensTeam pic.twitter.com/KUPJWVKFXc
— Gaurav Nandan Tripathi | गौरव नंदन त्रिपाठी (@Cric_Beyond_Ent) November 2, 2025
Also READ: BCCI announces a whopping cash prize for India’s Women’s World Cup-winning team
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
