Following India's historic win at the ICC Women's World Cup against South Africa in Navi Mumbai, captain Harmanpreet Kaur has opened up about the emotional decision to share the trophy with legends Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami. The gesture, which saw Kaur and her team hand over the coveted trophy to Raj and Goswami during the victory lap, has been widely lauded as a touching tribute to the pioneers of Indian women's cricket.
Kaur revealed that the decision to include Raj and Goswami in the celebrations was pre-planned by the team. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Kaur said, "We had decided as a team that this win is as much for Mithali Di and Jhulan Di as it is for us. They have dedicated their entire careers to Indian cricket, and without them, we wouldn't be where we are today". She emphasized the importance of acknowledging their contributions and ensuring they felt a part of the momentous occasion.
Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami, who have been the pillars of Indian women's cricket for nearly two decades, were present at the DY Patil Stadium as part of the broadcasting team. Both have led India to World Cup finals in the past, in 2005 and 2017 respectively, but were unable to clinch the title. The emotional weight of finally seeing India lift the trophy was evident as both legends were moved to tears by the gesture.
"Jhulan Di was my biggest support," Kaur acknowledged. "When I joined the team, she was leading it. She always supported me in my early days when I was very raw and didn't know much about cricket". Kaur also expressed her gratitude to Anjum Chopra, another former captain, for her support during her formative years. "Sharing this moment with them was emotional. We were all waiting for this – finally, we could touch the trophy," she added.
Raj, visibly overwhelmed, could only express her gratitude, whispering "Thank you… I am so happy,” as she lifted the trophy surrounded by the players she once captained. Goswami, the highest wicket-taker in women's ODI history, celebrated with childlike enthusiasm, hugging Kaur and other team members.
The gesture has resonated deeply with fans and cricket experts alike. Ravichandran Ashwin, the Indian men's team's spin bowler, lauded Kaur's gesture and said that the Indian men's team had never displayed such humility and grace in victory. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging the contributions of previous generations and celebrating their legacy.
The moment was particularly poignant as it signified a full circle for Indian women's cricket. From Raj and Goswami's years of struggle to lay the foundation, to Kaur's team finally realizing the dream, the passing of the trophy represented the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication.
Kaur also spoke about the tense moments during South Africa's fightback in the final. She said her message to the team was to "keep faith" and seize opportunities. She reminded them that ODI cricket is a long format with many phases, and they needed to stay positive and capitalize on their strengths, particularly their spinners.
The victory and the gesture that followed have not only brought immense joy to the nation but have also cemented the legacy of Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami, ensuring their names will forever be etched in the history of Indian cricket.
