For years, the Indian women’s cricket team stood on the brink of greatness, only to watch history slip away at the final hurdle.
They played inspired cricket, reached finals, and challenged the best teams in the world, yet the ultimate prize always remained elusive. The heartbreak of the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup final at Lord’s and the near-miss at the 2020 Women’s T20 World Cup became defining moments of unfulfilled promise. A major ICC title felt permanently just out of reach.
That narrative finally changed in November 2025.
Under the fearless leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, India broke through the glass ceiling and lifted their first-ever ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a tense final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. When Harmanpreet held on to the final catch to seal the victory, it felt like more than just the end of a match. It was the culmination of a 16-year journey, marked by resilience, reinvention, and relentless belief.
The triumph has already been described as Indian women’s cricket’s “1983 moment” a victory that transformed the sport from a niche pursuit into a source of national pride and widespread excitement. For Harmanpreet, it was the perfect embodiment of a career built on changing perceptions.
Harmanpreet Kaur has never waited for permission to dream big. Time and again, she has been the one to step forward when the moment demanded courage.
Her unbeaten 171 against Australia in the 2017 World Cup semi-final remains one of the most iconic innings in the history of women’s cricket. Played under immense pressure, it was an exhibition of raw power and fearless intent, announcing to the world that Indian women’s cricket had entered a new era. That knock did more than win a match; it forced global audiences to sit up and take notice.
In 2016, Harmanpreet became the first Indian cricketer, male or female, to sign a contract in the Women’s Big Bash League, representing Sydney Thunder. At a time when overseas opportunities for Indian women were rare, her move opened doors for an entire generation, normalizing the idea of Indian players competing in elite leagues around the world.
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Records followed naturally. Towards the end of 2025, she surpassed Meg Lanning to become the most successful captain in women’s T20 internationals, finishing the year with 77 wins. As of January 2026, she also holds the record for most runs by an Indian player in the Women’s Premier League, while captaining the Mumbai Indians to WPL titles in 2023 and 2025.
Changing the Dressing Room, Changing the Game
Yet, Harmanpreet’s most enduring contribution cannot be measured by runs, trophies, or records alone. Her true legacy lies in the cultural shift she engineered within the Indian dressing room.
She brought a boldness that had previously been missing, replacing caution with conviction. Under her leadership, India stopped playing not to lose and started playing to win. Her aggressive instincts, whether with the bat or in tactical decision-making, encouraged teammates to embrace risk and express themselves freely.
Crucially, Harmanpreet bridged generations. She seamlessly connected the era led by stalwarts like Mithali Raj with the rise of fearless young talents such as Shafali Verma. In doing so, she created an environment where youngsters felt empowered to play their natural game without fear of failure. That psychological freedom has been central to India’s rise as a consistent global contender.
Her leadership style has always been rooted in leading from the front. Whether it is taking responsibility in crunch moments, setting sharp bowling plans in tight T20 contests, or clearing the ropes with a towering six, Harmanpreet has embodied the standards she expects from her team.
The Heartbeat of a Superpower
Even at 36, Harmanpreet Kaur remains the heartbeat of Indian women’s cricket. Her presence still shapes matches, influences mindsets, and defines belief. More importantly, she has ensured that India is no longer just participating on the world stage; it is competing with authority.
Indian women’s cricket today stands as a genuine force, respected and feared in equal measure. That transformation bears Harmanpreet Kaur’s unmistakable imprint. She didn’t just captain a team to glory; she redefined what Indian women’s cricket could aspire to be and proved that it belonged among the world’s very best.
