Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin showered praise on Harmanpreet Kaur and her team after their historic ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 triumph, calling their gesture of respect “something the men’s team has never done.” India’s women scripted history on Sunday night at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, defeating South Africa by 52 runs to lift their maiden ODI World Cup trophy. This moment united generations of Indian cricket.
Ashwin lauded the team for celebrating their success by honouring the pioneers of women’s cricket in India — Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, and Anjum Chopra. The trio, who were part of the official commentary panel during the final, were invited by the jubilant players to share the stage, hold the trophy, and join the celebrations.
“Back in 2017, when Harmanpreet Kaur played that magnificent innings against Australia, Jhulan and Mithali were part of that side. They saw the heartbreak of losing the final. Yesterday, the team gave the trophy to Mithali Raj — and that’s something truly special,” Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
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He went on to say, “I take my hat off to this Indian women’s team. The men’s team has never done something like this. Sometimes, players say things for the cameras, but rarely do we see such a genuine moment of gratitude toward the previous generation.”
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They might not have role models growing up? They had Jhulan goswami, Mithali raj and Anjum chopra, shows how little you watch and know about women’s cricket. pic.twitter.com/xfShO5DmGQ
— Adi (@adi__speaks) November 3, 2025
Ashwin’s heartfelt words resonated with fans across the country, sparking discussions about legacy and humility in Indian cricket. He highlighted how the women’s team didn’t just win a trophy — they also paid tribute to those who built the foundation for their success. “In cricket, we often compare generations, but here was a team showing respect, love, and appreciation. That’s the true spirit of the game,” he added.
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The emotional moment reached its peak when Jhulan Goswami, who retired in 2022, broke down as Harmanpreet and her teammates handed her the World Cup trophy — a dream she had chased for over two decades. Speaking to Star Sports later, Jhulan shared, “Before this World Cup, the girls came to my room at midnight and promised, ‘We’ll do it for you.’ And they kept that promise. That’s why I couldn’t hold back my tears.”
India’s triumph at DY Patil Stadium wasn’t just a victory — it was a tribute to resilience, sisterhood, and the evolution of women’s cricket. It finally ended the heartbreaks of 2005 and 2017, etching Harmanpreet Kaur’s team into history as true torchbearers of Indian cricket’s new era.
