Table of Contents
- An Iconic Moment Reborn
- From Wankhede to Gateway of India
- Deepti Sharma: The Tournament Hero
- A New Era for Indian Women’s Cricket
- Fans Flood Social Media with Nostalgia
- Sources
An Iconic Moment Reborn
History doesn’t just repeat—it echoes. On the sun-drenched steps near Mumbai’s Gateway of India, Harmanpreet Kaur recreated one of Indian cricket’s most iconic images: MS Dhoni’s legendary pose with the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup trophy. This time, the trophy was the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, and the moment marked India’s first-ever title in the tournament’s 56-year history .
Clad in her team jersey, Harmanpreet hoisted the gleaming trophy high over her head with one hand—just like Dhoni did after sealing victory against Sri Lanka at Wankhede Stadium. The parallel was instant, powerful, and deeply symbolic, bridging two generations of Indian cricket glory.
From Wankhede to Gateway of India
While Dhoni’s triumph unfolded inside a packed stadium, Harmanpreet’s celebration was staged in the open heart of Mumbai—where fans could gather, cheer, and share in the joy. The Gateway of India, a monument of national pride, became the perfect backdrop for a team that has carried the hopes of millions for decades .
The photo, captured by BCCI’s official photographer, quickly went viral, with fans dubbing it “2011, but make it women’s cricket.” For many, it wasn’t just a tribute—it was a declaration that women’s cricket had finally taken its rightful place in India’s sporting pantheon.
Deepti Sharma: The Tournament Hero
While Harmanpreet led with grace, the on-field hero of the tournament was unquestionably Deepti Sharma. Her match-winning 58 runs and a sensational 5/39 in the final against South Africa earned her the Player of the Tournament award . She also finished as the leading wicket-taker with 21 scalps, breaking Neetu David’s long-standing Indian record in World Cups.
Deepti’s all-round brilliance didn’t just win games—it redefined what’s possible for Indian all-rounders in high-stakes cricket.
A New Era for Indian Women’s Cricket
This victory isn’t seen as a one-off by the team. In post-match interviews, several players, including Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues, emphasized their goal: “to make winning a habit.” After years of near-misses—in 2005, 2017, and 2022—the 2025 squad has broken the mental barrier that once haunted Indian women’s cricket .
With robust domestic structures, increased visibility, and now a World Cup title, the foundation is set for sustained success across ODI, T20, and even Test formats.
Fans Flood Social Media with Nostalgia
Within minutes of the photo’s release, social media exploded with side-by-side comparisons of Dhoni in 2011 and Harmanpreet in 2025. Memes, tributes, and emotional posts flooded X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. One fan wrote: “Same city. Same trophy. Same nation. Different heroes—equally legendary.”
The moment also reignited calls for greater investment in women’s sport, with many noting that this photo could inspire a whole new generation of girls to pick up a bat or ball.
Sources
- Times of India: Iconic! Harmanpreet recreates Dhoni’s pose; clicked with trophy at Gateway of India
- BCCI Press Release – November 3, 2025
- ICC Official Match Report – ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Final 2025