Following India’s historic Women’s World Cup triumph in Navi Mumbai, Captain Harmanpreet Kaur shared a powerful, unforgettable message on social media. Her post-win photo featured a T-shirt with the bold statement: “Cricket is a gentleman’s EVERYONE’S game,” with the word ‘gentleman’s’ visibly crossed out.
This sentiment perfectly encapsulated the journey and struggle of Indian women’s cricket. The World Cup victory at the DY Patil Stadium was seen as more than just a trophy; it was a resounding answer to past critics and generations who fought for recognition.
Echoes of Past Heartbreak and Criticism
Former India opener Punam Raut, who was a key part of the squad that suffered an agonizing nine-run defeat in the 2017 ODI World Cup final against England (where Raut scored a valiant 86 off 115 balls), deeply resonated with Kaur’s message.
Speaking to Media, Raut recalled the harsh public criticism that followed the 2017 loss:
“Tumne kya kar liya? Kabhi kuch jeeta hai? Tum ladkiyan kya kar sakti ho? Ladkiyan cricket khel sakti hain kya?” (What have you ever achieved? Have you ever won anything? What can girls even do? Can girls really play cricket?)
Raut explained that this World Cup victory was the most fitting reply to the mockery and bullying she and other women cricketers faced.
- Personal Experience: Raut shared her own experience of being bullied by boys in her youth who said, “Girls can’t play cricket.” She recounted feeling angry and determined at the time, deciding: “one day, the whole world will know that girls can also play cricket.”
- Shared Journey: Raut believes Harmanpreet Kaur, with whom she debuted in the 2009 World Cup, must have gone through similar experiences, making her T-shirt slogan deeply personal and meaningful.
Fulfilling a Billion Dreams
Only three players from the 2017 squad—Deepti Sharma, Smriti Mandhana, and Harmanpreet Kaur—were retained for the 2025 tournament, all of whom played a crucial role in securing the long-awaited victory.
Raut expressed her deep emotion and relief:
“I am very happy and emotional. I couldn’t control my tears. Many, many congratulations to this team. We have proved it—the answer has been conveyed… That’s why she wrote, ‘It’s not only a gentleman’s game. It’s everyone’s game.’”
The victory, Raut added, finally helped her move past the pain of the 2017 loss, which had “haunted” her and the team for years, turning that years-long hurt into immense pride. The ultimate goal, she concluded, was to change the mindset and end the restrictions placed on young girls by their parents.