When Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the victorious Indian Women’s World Cup team in New Delhi on November 5, he posed a question that surprised captain Harmanpreet Kaur: why did she tuck the match ball into her pocket after catching the final ball? This seemingly small act held great significance, symbolizing a full circle moment for Indian cricket. Harmanpreet unintentionally mirrored Sunil Gavaskar, who famously pocketed the match ball 42 years ago following India’s inaugural World Cup win in 1983 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Her response was candid and heartfelt.
“It was unexpected, sir. I didn’t anticipate making that final catch after years of hard work. When it happened, I felt it was meant to be mine,” she explained with a smile.
The moment captured in a video showcased a new era in Indian cricket. As South Africa’s Nadine de Klerk attempted a decisive shot, Harmanpreet’s agile leap secured the catch, sealing India’s historic Women’s ODI World Cup victory. Amid the jubilation, she quietly preserved the ball as a memento of that unforgettable night in Indian sports history.
India’s triumph over South Africa in the final marked the culmination of years of dedication, resilience, and near misses for the women’s team. Harmanpreet’s strategic leadership played a pivotal role in the final match. By entrusting the ball to Shafali Verma, a seldom-used bowler in ODIs, she altered the course of the game. Shafali’s crucial dismissals of Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp, complemented by Deepti Sharma’s five-wicket haul and Shafali’s significant batting contribution of 87 runs, culminated in a comprehensive team effort that secured India’s maiden World Cup title.
Harmanpreet’s simple act of safeguarding the match ball in her pocket symbolized a profound connection between India’s cricketing journey from Lord’s in 1983 to the DY Patil Stadium in 2025.