India’s historic ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup triumph continues to spark celebrations across the country, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur is leading the charge—on the pitch and beyond.
Fresh off the team’s groundbreaking title win, Harmanpreet was honoured in Chennai on Thursday at Velammal Nexus School, where she connected directly with hundreds of young students. But it wasn’t just about the celebrations—the Indian skipper shared a key message passed on by Prime Minister Narendra Modi following their World Cup victory.
“…He asked us to visit schools and inspire students whenever we get a chance… I am grateful that I got that chance today, it was a very heartwarming moment for me,” Harmanpreet said, reflecting on her meeting with PM Modi. The Prime Minister’s message was simple: use the team’s success to inspire India’s youth.
#WATCH | Tamil Nadu | Harmanpreet Kaur, the Captain of the Indian Women's Cricket Team, arrives at Velammal Nexus School in Chennai, where she will be felicitated for her remarkable achievement in winning the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. pic.twitter.com/SnDJQYjtWu
— ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2025
‘Test cricket is my favourite’: Harmanpreet shares her personal inspirations
Beyond the celebrations, the World Cup-winning skipper used the Chennai event to connect with hundreds of students—sharing her own journey, values, and heroes.
The 35-year-old said she still considers the longest format of the game closest to her heart. “Work hard and stay focused. Discipline and dedication have shaped my journey,” she advised young girls, encouraging them to persevere and dream big.
She also named legendary India opener Virender Sehwag as her biggest cricketing inspiration—citing his fearless, attacking style and ability to break norms.
From tough start to historic title
India’s title win came after a turbulent campaign, marked by early setbacks. The Women in Blue faced mounting criticism after suffering three consecutive league-stage losses to South Africa, Australia and England. But the team rebounded in emphatic fashion—stunning Australia in a high-octane semifinal and defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
With the win, Harmanpreet joined the elite company of Kapil Dev, MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma as the only Indian captains to lift a Cricket World Cup trophy.
Leading a movement in Indian cricket
As a five-time World Cup participant, Harmanpreet understands how far women’s cricket has come—and where it’s headed. She expressed immense pride in the growing popularity of the women’s game across India.
“It is good to see that now people only talk about cricket without comparing (men’s and women’s cricket). Now everyone enjoys and the viewership is high, stadiums are full, it is a proud moment,” Harmanpreet said.
The reception she received in Chennai was a reflection of that momentum. Students cheered her on, asked questions, and looked to her as both a sporting icon and a role model.
For Harmanpreet, these moments off the field are as meaningful as the triumphs on it.
“These experiences remind us how much our victory means to others and how it can inspire future cricketers,” she said.
