The victorious Indian women’s cricket team, fresh from their historic ICC World Cup win, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence in New Delhi. The meeting turned into a blend of laughter, nostalgia, and inspiration as the champions shared their journey from heartbreak to triumph.
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who led the team to a 52-run victory over South Africa in the final at DY Patil Stadium, opened the conversation with a heartfelt remark: “The last time we met you, the trophy was missing. But we’ve brought it to you today.” Her words captured years of perseverance and redemption since the 2017 World Cup runners-up finish.
Prime Minister Modi congratulated the team for making the nation proud, calling their victory a symbol of grit and unity. He said cricket in India is more than a sport — it is “life” for millions of fans. “You were trolled after early defeats, but now the same fans are celebrating your triumph,” he said, acknowledging their remarkable comeback and strength as a team.
Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana recalled their previous meeting with the Prime Minister in 2017, saying, “Last time, your words inspired us deeply. You continue to motivate not just us in cricket but people across all walks of life.” She added that every player played a crucial role in the victory and that the team’s spirit would inspire future generations.
The gathering wasn’t all formal. It was filled with laughter and light moments as players shared their experiences on and off the field. When the Prime Minister playfully asked who kept the team’s morale high, Harleen Deol and Jemimah Rodrigues revealed they took on that responsibility. Harleen added with a smile, “I believe it’s as important as playing — to keep the atmosphere alive.”
In a spontaneous moment that drew smiles all around, Harleen asked PM Modi about his glowing complexion. “Sir, if I may ask, what’s your skincare routine?” she said, making the room burst into laughter. The Prime Minister chuckled and replied, “I never thought about this,” to which spinner Sneh Rana added, “It must be the love you receive from the people of India.”
Player of the Tournament Deepti Sharma told the Prime Minister she had been waiting since 2017 to meet him again. When Modi mentioned her “Jai Shri Ram” Instagram bio and her Hanuman tattoo, Deepti smiled and said, “They give me strength.” The Prime Minister affectionately referred to her as “DSP,” acknowledging her commanding presence on the field.
Head coach Amol Muzumdar also shared his experience with a touch of humor. “Sir, I’ve been their coach for two years, and now my hair has turned grey,” he said, drawing laughter from everyone. He thanked the Prime Minister for inviting the entire support staff, saying, “They’ve played like true champions and truly earned this trophy after two years of hard work.”
The Prime Minister’s wit shone through when he teased Amanjot Kaur about her missed catch in the final. “You must have been watching the ball at first, but after catching it, your eyes were on the trophy,” he joked, lightening the room even further.
Young star Shafali Verma shared that her father’s unfulfilled cricket dreams motivated her to pursue the sport despite coming from a wrestling-dominated region. “He couldn’t play cricket, but he made me live this dream,” she said. Shafali will soon lead the North Zone team in the upcoming Inter-Zonal T20 tournament in Nagaland.
As the interaction drew to a close, the players thanked the Prime Minister for his time and encouragement. Harmanpreet Kaur promised, “We will try to meet you more often — by winning more tournaments.”
The Indian women’s team left the Prime Minister’s residence with smiles, pride, and renewed motivation. Their journey from 2017 heartbreak to 2025 glory has now become an inspiring chapter in Indian cricket — one that embodies perseverance, teamwork, and the spirit of a champion.