Navi Mumbai, Nov 3 (UNI) Even after three early losses in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, Indian Women’s cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur never doubted her team’s potential, a mindset that ultimately powered them to a historic title win over South Africa on Sunday.
“Even after those three losses, we always had that belief,” Harmanpret said. “Credit to every single member. They stayed positive, focused, and gave everything day and night. This team truly deserves to be here,” she said after leading India to their first-ever WWC title. Twice before, they had stormed into the finals but ended up as runners up.
The Indian skipper praised her teammates for stepping up in crucial moments of the final. “When Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus were batting, they looked really good. I saw Shefali standing there, and the way she batted earlier – I just knew it was her day. My heart said, ‘Give her one over.’ I went with my gut. She’s fearless, positive, and always ready to step up for the team.”
Harmanpreet acknowledged the challenging pitch and conditions, saying, “Today’s pitch was very different – the rain and overhead conditions made it tricky. We knew 290 was a fighting total in the final. Finals always come with pressure. Credit to South Africa, they played beautifully. But in the end, when they panicked a bit, we seized the moment, took those crucial wickets, and turned the game our way. Very special.”
She also credited the coaching staff, support personnel, and the BCCI for their faith in the squad. “The last two years under Amol sir, we’ve worked so hard. He kept reminding us that this team is capable of something extraordinary. Credit to the support staff and the BCCI for trusting us – they didn’t make too many changes, they believed in this group. And today, we’re standing here because of everyone who’s been part of this journey – past and present. This is just the beginning.”
Looking ahead, Harmanpreet said the team aims to maintain consistency and continue performing at the highest level. “We wanted to break this barrier, and now we’ve done it. Our next goal is to make this consistent – to make it happen again and again. We’ve got the Champions Cup and another World Cup next year. Big moments are coming, and we just want to keep improving day by day. This is not the end – it’s the start of a new chapter.”
Harmanpreet’s remarks underlined the importance of belief, teamwork, and resilience, qualities that propelled India Women to their first World Cup triumph in decades.
