Smita Diwan
The cheers echoed through Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium as India lifted their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup trophy on November 2, 2025, defeating South Africa by 52 runs. It wasn’t just a cricket victory — it was history being rewritten, a long-cherished dream fulfilled for millions of Indians who had waited decades to see the women in blue crowned world champions.
The journey to the top wasn’t smooth. India’s campaign began with uncertainty after a shaky start in the league stage. Three consecutive losses put their qualification hopes in jeopardy. But under the calm leadership of Harmanpreet Kaurand the sharp guidance of coach Amol Muzumdar, the team found their rhythm. From that point, every match became a story of resurgence — filled with grit, determination, and belief.
By the time India reached the semi-final against Australia, the mood had changed. They chased down a record total with confidence, led by Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten century. The final against South Africa was their moment of destiny. Shafali Verma’s explosive 87 and Deepti Sharma’s all-round brilliance helped India post 298/7 — a total too steep for the Proteas. When the last wicket fell, tears, smiles, and tricolours filled the air. India had finally done it.
The Mastermind Behind the Win: Coach Amol Muzumdar
Often known as one of Indian cricket’s unsung heroes, Amol Muzumdar’s journey is poetic. A domestic cricket legend with over 11,000 first-class runs but no international cap, Muzumdar turned mentor for the women’s team in 2023. His philosophy revolved around belief and mental toughness. He encouraged the players to focus on process over pressure. His calm composure and tactical awareness changed India’s approach, blending data-driven strategy with emotional intelligence. His decision to persist with young players like Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues paid off spectacularly. After the final, an emotional moment went viral when captain Harmanpreet Kaur bent to touch her coach’s feet — a symbolic gesture of gratitude for a man who gave Indian women’s cricket its greatest victory.
Top 5 Performers of India’s World Cup 2025 Victory
1. Deepti Sharma – The Game Changer
Deepti Sharma’s World Cup campaign was nothing short of legendary. The all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh delivered with both bat and ball, making her the heartbeat of India’s success. In the final, her five-wicket haul broke South Africa’s chase apart, and her composed 58 earlier in the innings steadied India after a brief collapse. Deepti became the first player — male or female — to achieve the rare double of 200+ runs and 20+ wickets in a single World Cup. Her quiet determination and consistency throughout the tournament earned her the Player of the Tournament award.
2. Shafali Verma – The Spark of Youth
The 21-year-old from Rohtak, Haryana, is known for her fearless strokeplay, and this World Cup was her coming-of-age story. Shafali set the tone in the final with a breathtaking 87 off 78 balls, hitting the South African bowlers to all parts of the ground. Her aggressive starts gave India the momentum in every match. She credited Sachin Tendulkar for inspiring her approach — and in 2025, she truly batted like a champion in the making.
3. Smriti Mandhana – The Backbone of the Batting
Smriti Mandhana’s elegance and maturity anchored India’s innings throughout the tournament. The left-hander from Maharashtra amassed over 400 runs, including crucial half-centuries in pressure situations. In the final, her composed 45 provided the stability India needed after early jitters. Known for her calm under pressure, Smriti’s leadership with the bat has been vital in shaping the younger players. Her on-field partnerships with Shafali Verma became one of India’s strongest assets in the tournament.
4. Jemimah Rodrigues – The Comeback Star
Mumbai’s own Jemimah Rodrigues proved that class and courage always find a way. After being dropped from the team earlier in her career, her return to form in the World Cup was a redemption story. Her unbeaten 127 against Australia in the semi-final was one of the finest innings ever played by an Indian in knockout cricket. It not only powered India into the final but also showed her ability to absorb pressure and deliver when it mattered most. Jemimah’s infectious energy and confidence made her the emotional spark of the team.
5. Harmanpreet Kaur – The Captain Who Believed
As captain, Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership was the invisible force behind India’s resurgence. Her knock of 89 in the semi-final set the stage for India’s dream run, and her smart field placements in the final ensured South Africa never found momentum. Beyond numbers, it was her belief in her players that stood out. She led with empathy and aggression in equal measure, becoming the first Indian woman captain to lift a World Cup. Her final catch to seal the victory was symbolic — a captain taking control till the very end.
Coach Amol Muzumdar’s Philosophy and Impact
Muzumdar’s leadership style combined technical sharpness with mentorship. He worked on the team’s mental fitness and emphasized calmness under pressure. His analytical approach included individualized game plans, while his open-door policy built trust across generations. Muzumdar often said, “They don’t play women’s cricket; they play cricket for India.” That mindset change, treating the women’s team as equal ambassadors of the game, transformed the dressing-room culture.
Trivia and Insights
- India’s win ended a 48-year wait for a Women’s World Cup title.
- The team bounced back from losing three group matches in a row — a rare feat in World Cup history.
- This victory has been dubbed “India’s 1983 moment” for women’s cricket, referencing the men’s first World Cup win.
- Deepti Sharma became the first cricketer (across genders) to score 200+ runs and take 20+ wickets in a single World Cup.
- The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced over ₹90 crore in rewards for the players and staff, making it the highest-ever bonus for women cricketers globally.
- Viewership for the final crossed 60 million, setting a new record for women’s sports in India.
Why This Win Matters Beyond Cricket
India’s 2025 Women’s World Cup triumph is a cultural milestone. It will inspire millions of young girls to pick up the bat and believe that dreams have no gender. The victory has already sparked a surge in grassroots cricket enrolments for girls and attracted corporate sponsorships for women’s leagues. The win symbolizes changing times — where women athletes are not just celebrated but invested in. It bridges the gap between ambition and opportunity, proving that with the right ecosystem, Indian women can dominate the world stage.
The 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup victory will be remembered not just for the runs scored or wickets taken, but for the shift it represents. It’s a story of perseverance, leadership, and unity. Players like Shafali, Deepti, Smriti, Jemimah, and Harmanpreet, under Amol Muzumdar’s mentorship, have given India a moment that will echo for generations. This win is more than a headline — it’s a legacy in motion, a golden chapter in Indian sports where women finally took center stage.
The victory, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, drew praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar, highlighting its significance for women’s cricket in India.
