Amid the deafening cheers at Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium on November 2, 2025, a quiet yet powerful moment unfolded—captain Harmanpreet Kaur knelt and touched the feet of head coach Amol Muzumdar. It was a gesture steeped in Indian tradition, symbolizing deep respect, humility, and the culmination of a shared dream: India’s first-ever ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title .
Days after the historic 52-run victory over South Africa, Muzumdar sat down with the media, his voice still thick with emotion. “It still hasn’t sunk in,” he confessed, echoing the disbelief felt by millions across the nation.
A Watershed Moment for Indian Cricket
For Muzumdar—a former Mumbai stalwart with a first-class record that rivals the greats—this victory wasn’t just about lifting a trophy. It was about legacy, belief, and rewriting history. “This is a watershed moment,” he emphasized, calling it a turning point not just for the women’s game but for Indian cricket as a whole .
The road to glory was anything but smooth. From inconsistent results in the lead-up to the tournament to immense pressure as hosts, the team faced skepticism. But Muzumdar saw something others didn’t: raw grit, unshakable unity, and a quiet confidence simmering beneath the surface.
The Grit Behind the Glory
When asked what defined his team’s campaign, Muzumdar didn’t hesitate: “Phenomenal grit and determination.” Whether it was Shafali Verma’s fearless strokeplay under pressure, Deepti Sharma’s match-winning five-for in the final, or the middle-order resilience led by Jemimah Rodrigues, every player stepped up when it mattered.
He especially praised the team’s ability to handle nerves in high-stakes games. “We didn’t just play cricket. We played with heart,” he said.
Harmanpreet’s Gesture: More Than Symbolism
The image of Harmanpreet touching Muzumdar’s feet went viral instantly—not just for its cultural resonance, but for what it represented: a coach-player bond forged in trust and mutual respect.
“That moment… it wasn’t planned,” Muzumdar revealed. “It was pure emotion. From day one, Harman has led with passion and accountability. She carries this team on her shoulders, and to see her acknowledge the journey we’ve been on together—it meant everything.”
From Doubt to Dominance: India’s Tournament Journey
| Stage | Opponent | Result | Key Performer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group Stage | Australia | Won by 6 wickets | Smriti Mandhana (82*) |
| Group Stage | England | Won by 45 runs | Deepti Sharma (3/28) |
| Semifinal | New Zealand | Won by 7 wickets | Shafali Verma (87) |
| Final | South Africa | Won by 52 runs | Deepti Sharma (5/32) |
What’s Next for Indian Women’s Cricket?
With the World Cup in the cabinet, Muzumdar is already looking ahead—but not without savoring the present. “This win opens doors,” he said. “For young girls in villages and cities alike, it proves that dreams are valid. And that hard work, with the right support, leads to glory.”
He also hinted at building on this momentum ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, aiming to create a sustainable system where success isn’t an anomaly—but an expectation.