Harmanpreet Kaur Adamant on Breaking Barrier and Make Winning A ‘Habit’ After Historic World Cup Win

Many predicted Harmanpreet Kaur and the team's 2025 Women's World Cup win to be as historically significant as the iconic 1983 WC victory.

Harmanpreet Kaur Adamant on Breaking Barrier and Make Winning A ‘Habit’ After Historic World Cup Win

Harmanpreet Kaur guided the Indian Women's team to a historic World Cup title. (via NDTV Sports)

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After guiding the Indian team to its maiden Women’s World Cup title last night, captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed her intent on making winning a ‘habit.’ She has called the triumph as a start of what is to come. Kaur took the brilliant catch off the last delivery to dismiss South Africa’s Nadine de Klerk, and secure a historic victory. 

Harmanpreet Kaur became only the three Indian captains after legends Kapil Dev and Mahendra Singh Dhoni, to win the ODI World Cup. Moreover, this marks a historic moment for women’s cricket in the country. The Women’s WC win was in fact, a watershed moment for the Indian captain as it marked her fifth and possibly final appearance in the tournament, having made her World Cup debut back in 2009. 

The Indian Women’s team won a hard-fought final against South Africa, at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. India posted a competitive first innings total of 298/7, guided by Shafali Verma’s 87-run knock, while Deepti Sharma contributed with a late half-century. While the Proteas initially looked confident, thanks to Laura Wolvaardt’s 101 runs, India limited them to 246 runs, and claimed victory by 52 runs. 

Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who had scored a much-needed 89 runs off 88 balls in the semi-final against Australia, was at a loss of words after the final win. Speaking after collecting the Women’s World Cup trophy, she assured fans that the victory marked the beginning of a new era for the Indian Women’s cricket team.

This is the start. We wanted to break this barrier. And our next plan is to make this a habit. We were waiting for it. So many big occasions are coming, and we want to keep improving. This is not the end, just the beginning.

Harmanpreet Kaur after India’s Women’s WC win (H/T India Today)

When reflecting on the team’s World Cup campaign, Kaur candidly disclosed that the group stage defeat suffered against England served as the turning point for her side and the players. She explained that the defeat prompted them to shift their approach towards the game. Furthermore, Harmanpreet Kaur extended her gratitude towards the fans in attendance in the final in Navi Mumbai.

I am so grateful for this crowd; they have been really amazing. Thank you for being with us in all our ups and downs.

Harmanpreet Kaur continued

In terms of personal performance, the 36-year-old Indian captain concluded her Women’s World Cup campaign as the 11th highest run-getter. Harmanpreet Kaur scored a total of 260 runs in nine matches at an average of 32.50 and a strike-rate of 89.04, managing to hit two vital half-centuries.

Harmanpreet Kaur’s gesture to BCCI secretary Jay Shah surprises fans before trophy presentation

In the moments following India’s historic 2025 Women’s World Cup triumph, Harmanpreet Kaur did something that left fans surprised. The incident occurred at the end of the final between India and South Africa, as Kaur stepped up to receive the trophy on the podium. 

Harmanpreet Kaur touch Jay Shah feet
Harmanpreet Kaur surprisingly went to touch Jay Shah’s feet, following World Cup win. (via News 18)

The 36-year-old Indian captain, broke into a celebratory joyous ‘Bhangra’ dance before approaching the trophy. ICC Chairman Jay Shah was present on the podium as Kaur, brimming with excitement, walked up to accept the silverware. After exchanging a handshake with Shah, she surprisingly bowed down to touch his feet. This gesture is a traditional sign in India for showing reverence to elders and seniors.

However, Shah immediately declined Kaur’s act, and smiled at her with a nod. He then proceeded to hand over the World Cup trophy to the Indian captain. Following this official presentation, she turned toward her waiting teammates and initiated a unique celebration. She first playfully teased her teammates by pretending to lift the trophy, before raising it above her head, in the backdrop of fireworks and confetti.

The Indian Women’s team will remain away from action for a while now, with the 2026 WPL season expected to start soon. The Women in Blue will next face Australia in an all-format tour, including three T20Is, three ODIs and a Test match, starting from February 15, 2026. 

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