India Women Eye First ICC Title in Historic Final

Table of Contents

• Final Showdown: India vs South Africa
• ‘Trophy Is Here—Just Pick It Up!’
• Past Heartbreaks Fuel This Campaign
• Key Players to Watch in the Final
• Unprecedented Backing from Men’s Team & Coach
• Sources

India Women Eye First ICC Title in Historic Final

On Sunday, November 2, 2025, Indian cricket stands on the cusp of history. Harmanpreet Kaur’s team will face South Africa in the ICC Women’s World Cup final in Dubai—a match that could finally deliver India its first-ever ICC trophy in women’s cricket.

This is India’s third appearance in a World Cup final, following heartbreaking losses in 2005 (to Australia) and 2017 (also to England at Lord’s). But this time feels different. The squad is deeper, more balanced, and backed by a nation—and its cricketing icons—like never before.

‘Trophy Is Here—Just Pick It Up!’

In the days leading up to the final, an outpouring of support has flooded in from across the cricketing world. Former India captain and current men’s team head coach Gautam Gambhir sent a powerful message: “The trophy is here. You just have to pick it up.”

Star players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah also posted video messages urging the team to play fearlessly. “Don’t think about the result—just express yourselves,” Kohli said in a heartfelt clip shared on BCCI’s social media.

These messages aren’t just morale boosters—they reflect a cultural shift in how women’s cricket is valued in India, now seen not as a side event but as a central pillar of the sport’s future.

Past Heartbreaks Fuel This Campaign

The 2017 final loss still stings for many fans—and players. Harmanpreet’s legendary 171* in the semifinal that year became iconic, but the team collapsed in the final under pressure.

This 2025 squad has learned from that. They’ve won tight games against Australia and England in the group stage and semifinal, showing composure in high-stakes moments. Captain Harmanpreet, now 36, has called this “the most united team I’ve ever led.”

Key Players to Watch in the Final

India’s chances hinge on a few standout performers:

• Shafali Verma – The explosive opener has already scored 328 runs in the tournament at a strike rate of 142.
• Deepti Sharma – All-round anchor with 18 wickets and two half-centuries.
• Pooja Vastrakar – Leading the pace attack with 15 wickets, including a 4/22 in the semifinal.
• Richa Ghosh – The wicketkeeper-batter’s quickfire 45* sealed the semifinal win.

Unprecedented Backing from Men’s Team & Coach

Gautam Gambhir’s involvement has been particularly symbolic. Known for his no-nonsense approach, he’s been spotted attending practice sessions and sharing tactical insights with the coaching staff.

“This isn’t just about winning a trophy,” Gambhir said in a press briefing. “It’s about inspiring millions of girls to believe they belong on the biggest stage.”

With prime-time TV coverage, sold-out stands, and trending hashtags like #BringItHome2025, the entire country is rallying behind Harmanpreet’s warriors.

Sources

Times of India: ‘Trophy is here, just pick it up’: IND stars back Harmanpreet’s team