Cricket is a team game, and heroines come in many forms. On 2 November 2025, the Indian women’s cricket team achieved history by winning their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup, defeating South Africa by 52 runs at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. This victory wasn’t the story of a single heroine—it was the sum of many efforts, from the captain’s leadership to the quiet brilliance of unsung players. Every player brought skill, courage, and determination to the field, representing different corners of India. Every player played a part—some loud, some quiet, all vital.
Introducing the Team
Coach
Amol Muzumdar – “The mastermind behind the scenes” | Mumbai, Maharashtra
Guided the team with vision and strategy.
Captains & Leaders
Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain) – “Captain Courage” | Moga, Punjab
Led from the front and inspired teammates.
Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain & Opener) – “The Foundation Setter” | Sangli, Maharashtra
Solid starts at the top of the order.
Star Batters
Shafali Verma – “Blazing Trail at the Top” | Rohtak, Haryana
Fearless opener and handy bowler.
Jemimah Rodrigues – “The Stylish Anchor” | Mumbai, Maharashtra
Middle-order stability with elegance.
Pratika Rawal – “Steady Bat, Sharp Mind” | Gujarat
Calm and reliable at the top.
Harleen Deol – “The Composed Middle” | Chandigarh
Played key middle-order innings.
Uma Chetry – Batter / Middle-order
She is primarily a batter, brought in for the middle order.
Wicketkeepers
Richa Ghosh – “The Late Spark” | Agartala, Tripura
Finisher and wicketkeeper.
All-Rounders
Deepti Sharma – “The Silent Game-Changer” | Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Match-winning runs and wickets.
Sneh Rana – “Depth in the Fold” | Haryana
Experience and versatility.
Amanjot Kaur – “Versatile Spark” | Punjab
Adaptable performer, bat and ball.
Bowlers
Radha Yadav – “The Left-Arm Threat” | Maharashtra
Spin that creates pressure.
Arundhati Reddy – “The Seam-Support” | Telangana
Key pace bowler in the attack.
Kranti Gaud – “Raw Pace, Rising Star” | Madhya Pradesh
Young pacer making an impact.
Sree Charani – “The Unsung Spinner” | Telangana
Tight lines, middle-over control.
Renuka Singh Thakur – “The Strike Specialist” | Himachal Pradesh
Picked crucial wickets vs New Zealand; bowled economically in the final.
Lessons Learned
This team showed that victories are built on leadership, teamwork, and depth. Young players like Shafali and Kranti rose to the occasion, while all-rounders like Deepti and Amanjot made quiet yet crucial contributions. Every role mattered—from starters to squad extras—showing that preparation, belief, and versatility are as important as individual brilliance. Players from every corner of India—from Haryana to Maharashtra, Punjab to Tripura—came together, proving that talent knows no boundaries.
Author’s Reflection
On the night of 2 November 2025, the Indian Women’s team finally lifted the trophy. But every player and coach was part of a bigger story of hard work, belief, and determination.
When I think of the unsung heroes, I think of:
- The batter who stays strong when wickets keep falling.
- The bowler who takes an important wicket when the match is on the line.
- The coach who quietly inspires confidence when everyone expects defeat.
- The captain who leads by example, not by seeking attention.
I hope that when we remember that final, we remember everyone who contributed, not just the headlines. And I hope young girls watching see themselves in players like Shafali, Laura, or Deepti—not only as future stars but as part of a team where every role matters. Cricket, like life, is made up of many small, unseen acts that together create success.
