Indian cricket fans woke up to a new era this week, as the national women’s team, under Harmanpreet Kaur’s inspired leadership, clinched their maiden Women’s ODI World Cup title. The victory, achieved on Sunday, November 2, 2025, against a formidable South African side, has sent shockwaves of jubilation and pride throughout the nation. With a 52-run triumph in the final, the Indian team not only shattered the glass ceiling but also set the stage for what many are calling a transformative moment in the sport’s history in India.
The magnitude of this achievement is hard to overstate. Cricket, long considered a religion in India, has historically revolved around its male stars. Yet, as The Hindustan Times aptly put it, this was a “defining moment and historic triumph as India lifts the cup of dreams.” The women’s team’s feat is now being compared to the men’s iconic 1983 World Cup win, which galvanized Indian cricket for generations. Could this be the spark that sets women’s cricket ablaze across the subcontinent?
On the field, the Indian team delivered a performance for the ages. South Africa, a side packed with talent and grit, were outplayed in every department. Deepti Sharma, India’s star all-rounder, was simply sensational. She emerged as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker, claiming a staggering 22 wickets, including a match-defining 5/39 in the final. Her consistency and composure under pressure were pivotal to India’s success, earning her a well-deserved spot in the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Team of the Tournament.
Smriti Mandhana, another linchpin of the Indian batting lineup, dazzled throughout the tournament. Her century against New Zealand in the league stage was a masterclass in timing and temperament, and she finished the World Cup with 434 runs at an average of 54.25—second only to South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt. Mandhana’s elegant stroke play and ability to anchor the innings provided India with much-needed stability at the top of the order.
Perhaps the most dramatic moment of India’s campaign came in the semi-final, where Jemimah Rodrigues played an unforgettable, unbeaten knock of 127 runs. Her innings not only powered India past the seven-time champions Australia but also showcased the depth and resilience of this new generation of Indian cricketers. Rodrigues, along with Mandhana and Sharma, was named to the prestigious Team of the Tournament, a testament to their individual brilliance and collective impact.
The recognition didn’t stop at international accolades. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a record-breaking cash reward of Rs 51 crore for the entire squad, support staff, and the national selection committee. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia emphasized the board’s appreciation, stating, “As a token of appreciation, the BCCI will reward the Indian women’s cricket team with a cash award of Rs 51 crore for winning the World Cup. It includes all the players, support staff and the national selection committee.”
State governments and organizations across India have joined the celebration, showering players with rewards and recognition. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced a Rs 1 crore cash award for pacer Renuka Singh Thakur, while the Madhya Pradesh government matched that sum for Kranti Goud. The Punjab Cricket Association honored captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Amanjot Kaur with Rs 11 lakh each, and rewarded fielding coach Munish Bali with Rs 5 lakh.
Maharashtra, proud home to stars Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Radha Yadav, pledged cash rewards for its trio of champions. The outpouring of appreciation didn’t end with monetary gifts. Surat-based industrialist and Rajya Sabha member Govind Dholakia announced that the entire team would receive diamond jewellery and solar panels—a sparkling nod to their achievements on the world stage.
Corporate India, too, has taken notice. Realty firm Omaxe Ltd wasted no time in appointing Harmanpreet Kaur as its brand ambassador, recognizing her leadership and star power. Such endorsements signal a new era of visibility and opportunity for women athletes in India, who have often labored in the shadow of their male counterparts.
The international cricketing community has also tipped its hat to India’s achievement. The 12-member Team of the Tournament, announced by a panel of commentators and ICC officials, featured not only the Indian trio but also standout performers from South Africa, Australia, England, and Pakistan. South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 571 runs, was named captain of the team, highlighting the global nature of the women’s game and the fierce competition witnessed throughout the event.
Australia’s Annabel Sutherland and Alana King earned their places with dominant bowling performances, while England’s Sophie Ecclestone and Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Pakistan’s Sidra Nawaz, rounded out a squad brimming with talent. The diversity of the Team of the Tournament mirrors the growing competitiveness and appeal of women’s cricket worldwide.
But beyond the statistics and accolades, the significance of India’s victory lies in its potential to galvanize the sport at home. With cricket watched by nearly every Indian—over 1.4 billion people—the women’s triumph has the power to inspire a new generation. As The New York Times observed, “it had been the hardest, highest glass ceiling in Indian sports.” Now, with that barrier broken, the path is clearer than ever for young girls across the country to dream of donning the blue jersey.
This victory has already sparked conversations about investment, infrastructure, and the future of the women’s game. Will sponsors and broadcasters step up to match the growing interest? Will state associations and schools expand their support for girls’ cricket? The early signs are promising, but the real test will be sustaining this momentum beyond the initial wave of celebration.
For now, however, the Indian women’s cricket team stands atop the world, their achievement etched in the annals of sporting history. The celebrations show no sign of slowing, and the players—once underdogs—are now national icons. As the dust settles on this remarkable campaign, one thing is certain: Indian cricket will never be the same again. The world watched as Harmanpreet Kaur and her team lifted the trophy, and millions of fans will be hoping this is just the beginning of a golden era for women’s cricket in India.