From Diana to Harmanpreet: The Inspiring 50-Year Journey of Indian Women’s Cricket
When the Indian women’s cricket team lifted the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup trophy on November 2, 2025, at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium, it was more than just a sporting victory. It was the culmination of half a century of persistence, passion, and progress — a journey that began with a few brave women playing without recognition and ended with a nation standing on its feet to salute its champions.
For decades, Indian women’s cricket was not about glamour or money; it was about grit. From Diana Edulji’s era of struggle and self-belief, to Anjum Chopra’s professionalism, to Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami’s leadership, and finally Harmanpreet Kaur’s bold generation — this story is the evolution of women’s sport in India itself.
The Pioneering Spirit: Diana Edulji and the 1970s Revolution
In 1976, when the Indian women’s team played their first international Test match against the West Indies, hardly anyone noticed. There were no sponsors, no broadcast cameras, and often not even proper cricket kits. Yet, Diana Edulji, a fiery left-arm spinner from Mumbai, bowled with passion and captained with dignity.
She and contemporaries like Shantha Rangaswamy, Sandhya Agarwal, and Sudha Shah played for the love of the game, not fame or contracts. Their struggles were immense — they often traveled by train, shared equipment, and sometimes paid their own expenses. But they laid the foundation for everything that followed.
Diana Edulji’s fearless leadership earned her the Padma Shri, making her the first Indian woman cricketer to win the honor. She later became a powerful voice for women’s sports administration. Her era proved that Indian women could compete on the world stage, even without support.
The Transitional Years: Anjum Chopra and the Late 1990s to 2000s
The 1990s brought a gradual shift. As India opened its economy and media expanded, women’s cricket began to find its voice. Anjum Chopra emerged as the perfect bridge between the amateur and professional eras.
Elegant, articulate, and courageous, Anjum debuted in 1995 and went on to become the first Indian woman to play 100 ODIs. Under her leadership, the team reached the 2005 World Cup final — a milestone that made people sit up and take notice.
Anjum Chopra not only contributed on the field but also off it, becoming the first Indian woman cricketer to receive honorary MCC life membership. Her legacy was professionalism — she inspired girls to see cricket as a career, not just a passion.
Players like Neetu David, Hemlata Kala, and Anju Jain also played crucial roles in building a competitive team when visibility was limited. This era laid the groundwork for the Mithali-Jhulan chapter that was to follow.
The Age of Icons: Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami
The 2000s and 2010s marked the golden growth of Indian women’s cricket. Two legends — Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami — turned Indian women’s cricket into a serious global force.
Mithali Raj, who debuted at 16, became the highest run-scorer in women’s ODIs and the face of Indian women’s cricket. Her calm leadership and technical brilliance earned respect even from opponents. She showed that Indian players could be as consistent and strategic as any in the world.
Jhulan Goswami, the “Chakdaha Express,” redefined fast bowling for women globally. Standing tall and bowling at over 120 kmph, she became the highest wicket-taker in women’s ODI history. Her fiery spells and discipline inspired a generation to dream beyond batting glory.
Together, Mithali and Jhulan led India to the 2017 World Cup final, where they lost narrowly to England. Yet, that campaign was a watershed — for the first time, millions of Indians watched, celebrated, and cried for their women’s team.
Their partnership symbolized excellence, endurance, and quiet determination — traits that turned women’s cricket into a profession, not a pastime.
The Fearless Generation: Harmanpreet Kaur and the 2020s
As Mithali and Jhulan bowed out, a new generation took charge — confident, athletic, and global in mindset. Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, the Indian women’s team shed all inhibitions.
Players like Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, and Renuka Singh turned India into a team of specialists. No longer content with being the “underdogs,” this team wanted to dominate.
Harmanpreet herself became a symbol of aggression and belief — her 171* against Australia in the 2017 semifinal still ranks among the greatest knocks in women’s cricket history.
The Women’s Premier League (WPL), launched in 2023, gave the players exposure, financial security, and world-class experience. That translated into confidence at the international level. By the time the 2025 World Cup arrived, India were not outsiders — they were contenders.
The Glory Moment: World Champions at Last (2025)
On November 2, 2025, history was written at Navi Mumbai. India defeated South Africa by 52 runs to win their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup title.
- India scored 298/7, powered by Shafali Verma’s 87 and Deepti Sharma’s all-round brilliance (58 runs and 5/39).
- South Africa were bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs.
- Deepti Sharma was named Player of the Tournament for her 22 wickets and consistent batting.
Harmanpreet Kaur called it “the dream of many generations.” The stadium roared as tricolor flags waved and tears of pride rolled down faces — a victory 50 years in the making.
The BCCI announced a historic ₹51 crore reward, marking the beginning of a new era of recognition and investment in women’s sport.
A Journey of Generations
From Diana Edulji’s unpaid struggles in the 1970s
to Anjum Chopra’s professionalism in the 1990s,
to Mithali and Jhulan’s golden leadership,
to Harmanpreet Kaur’s fearless champions —
the story of Indian women’s cricket is the story of India’s social evolution itself.
It mirrors the journey of Indian women breaking barriers, fighting invisibility, and commanding respect on their own merit. The 2025 World Cup victory is not just a trophy; it’s a symbol of every small step taken by players who came before — often without applause, but always with purpose.
The baton has been passed, and the future looks radiant. With grassroots programs, WPL exposure, and nationwide pride, Indian women’s cricket is no longer an afterthought. It is now a movement.
Conclusion: Beyond the Trophy
This victory is not merely about a team lifting silverware; it’s about the transformation of a nation’s mindset. Indian women’s cricket has traveled from obscurity to glory, from volunteers to professionals, and from dreamers to world champions.
When Harmanpreet Kaur and her teammates lifted that glittering trophy, they also lifted the hopes of millions of young girls across India — proving that if you dare, you can.
Diana, Anjum, Mithali, Jhulan — their legacy now shines through the smiles of Smriti, Shafali, and Deepti.
Fifty years of perseverance have finally borne fruit.
And this is just the beginning.
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