A Promise Fulfilled: India's Historic World Cup Journey and the Power of Shared Dreams
In a heartwarming twist of fate, India's stunning victory in the 2025 World Cup semifinals against Australia sparked a chain of events that brought the team full circle. Harmanpreet Kaur, the team's star player, shared a decade-old video with Reema Malhotra, a former cricketer turned broadcaster, as a promise and a reminder of their shared journey.
The video, a relic from the 2011-12 season, captured the duo's joyous celebration after their underdog team, North Zone, defeated the mighty Central Zone, a team comprising all India's best players led by Mithali Raj. For Harmanpreet, each run scored by Jemimah Rodrigues in her epochal 127* brought back memories of that underdog victory, fueling the team's belief in their long-awaited glory.
And so, when India finally ended their World Cup trophy drought on that fateful Sunday, Harmanpreet's passionate sing-along with Malhotra to 'Sadda Haq' wasn't just a celebration; it was the fulfillment of a dream they had cherished together for years.
But here's where it gets controversial... or rather, heartwarming. Former captains Jhulan Goswami, Anjum Chopra, and Mithali Raj, along with broadcasting legends Diana Edulji, Shubhangi Kulkarni, and Sudha Shah, and even the team's long-time manager Trupti Bhattacharya, were all part of the broadcast that seamlessly transitioned from analysis to celebration. They joined the victorious team on their victory lap, ensuring that those who had paved the way were part of this historic moment.
For Jhulan Goswami, it was the fulfillment of a two-way promise. Back in the 2022 edition, when India was knocked out by South Africa, Goswami's dream slipped away due to a side strain that kept her out of the game. That night, in her hotel room, Harmanpreet and Smriti Mandhana vowed to lift the next World Cup for her. And true to their word, they did just that.
Goswami, taking a break from her duties at the CAB, flew to Navi Mumbai for the title clash of the home World Cup, where Mandhana and Harmanpreet delivered on their promise. In front of 40,000 roaring spectators and another 330 million watching from home, the promise found its perfect resolution.
Sport, with all its statistics and scorelines, is ultimately about the human connections, the shared beliefs, and the journeys we take together. And as the Indian team celebrated late into the night, they ensured that those who had come before them were not forgotten.
"I didn't expect them to stop the broadcast for 10 minutes just to let us enjoy the moment and be a part of those celebrations," Goswami recalled in a chat with Cricbuzz. "Seeing the victory lap coming towards us and becoming a part of it will always remain very special to me and all of us."
To Goswami, the leading wicket-taker in WODIs, this moment ranks above all her personal achievements, despite not being part of the winning XI. She attributes it to the magnanimity of Harman and Smriti, the team's leadership duo, who ensured that the former stars were not left out of their moment of glory.
"Harman and Smriti are not just big names; they have even bigger hearts. They are different," Goswami said with a smile. "Making us a part of their celebrations was a huge tribute, showing that they haven't forgotten their history or ignored their roots. This was a special moment for the entire women's cricket fraternity, and it was everyone's win."
Reema Malhotra, one of the former cricketers who was part of the grand celebrations, concurred. "Harman and Smriti are the pillars of this team. They didn't keep the win to themselves; they shared it with the whole country."
Malhotra highlighted what set this batch of 2025 apart from previous teams that made the World Cup final but faltered. "In 2005, when we made the final for the first time, all we talked about in the dressing room was reaching the final. We were over the moon when we got there. But this team always believed they could go all the way."
Malhotra asked Richa Ghosh after the final celebrations if the team song they revealed during their pitch celebration was spontaneous or rehearsed, and Ghosh revealed that they sang it after every game, practice session, loss, and win, because they believed they could win. "It's manifestation, positive vibes, or the universe conspiring to make it happen for them in front of the home crowd. But it happened because the team collectively focused on one goal: lifting that trophy."
Goswami echoed Malhotra's sentiments, praising Harman and Smriti for their leadership but also highlighting the importance of every team member's role and their single-minded focus. "That positive mindset reflected in their body language and attitude on the field, even during the three-match period where they lost heavily. This think-tank made all the difference."
Malhotra lauded the team's intent, both in good times and bad, to pull through. She attributed it to the WPL, playing with overseas cricketers, and high-pressure matches, as well as having a coach like Amol Muzumdar, who knows how to score consistently and understands the intent and approach needed at this level. "This win will be massive for women's sport in the country. They just need to make it a habit."
Malhotra believes that after this historic first, the team can truly command 'sadda haq, ethe rakh'. "The way this think-tank wants to take the team forward should be Harman and Smriti's call. Whether they continue with the same process, pass on the baton, or decide when to do so, it should be their decision."
"The selectors don't have to decide for them; they need to discuss it with Smriti and Harman. This right to make their own decisions is well-deserved after winning an ICC trophy we've waited five decades for."
Malhotra emphasized the cultural change this win brings to Indian women's cricket. "From 'this team can win' to 'this team is the winner' will create a massive impact. This champion side will inspire many new generations."
"In 2017, when the team reached the finals, it created a buzz, and people got to know more players beyond Mithali and Jhulan. Now, just a day after the World Cup win, 272 girls turned up for the U-23 Delhi trials instead of the usual 100-120. Parents will realize this can be a career choice for their girls."
Looking ahead, Goswami noted that this triumph has the potential to reshape the future of women's sport in the country. "This win will motivate and encourage all cricket associations to provide better support and facilities to their women's sides. This success will be a game-changer for women's cricket, right from the domestic level."
Malhotra delved into the structural support needed at the domestic level to sustain this success. "The board's step-by-step progress, amping up domestic fees, introducing WPL, pay parity, and ensuring equal facilities, is commendable. But to ensure a fool-proof system for young girls, domestic cricketers must have the same security. Not everyone plays for India, and that shouldn't discourage girls."
"Your national coach, Muzumdar, never played international cricket but led the team to its first World Cup. Maybe there are more players around us who can dedicate themselves fully if they have job security in the domestic setup. This is the change I want to see, and I'm sure the board will pay heed."
This victory is not just about a trophy; it's about the cultural shift it brings to Indian women's cricket and the impact it will have on future generations.
