Who said what - top 5 expert reactions to India winning Women's World Cup 2025 title ft. Sunil Gavaskar

India Women won their maiden ODI World Cup title by defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday, November 2. The Women in Blue were lucky in their third attempt, having lost to Australia and England in the 2005 and 2017 finals, respectively.

The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side were the favorites to win the final following their marathon run chase against seven-time champions Australia in the semifinal. Chasing 339, they won the game by five wickets.

In the final, South Africa captain Laura Woolvaardt won the toss and invited India to bat first. The hosts posted 298/7 in their allotted 50 overs. Shafali Verma top-scored with 87 runs off 78 balls, hitting two sixes and seven fours. Deepti Sharma also scored a half-century, scoring an unbeaten 58 off as many deliveries. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh were equally impressive for 45 (58) and 34 (24), respectively.

Ayabonga Khaka was the pick of the bowlers for the Proteas Women, finishing with figures of 3/58 in her nine overs.

In response, SA were bundled out for 246 in 45.3 overs. The batters never found themselves going, barring skipper Woolvaardt, who scored 101 runs off 98 deliveries, including one six and 11 fours. Deepti Sharma bagged a fifer for the Women in Blue, while Shafali Verma picked up two wickets.

Following the victory, several former cricketers, including ex-India captains Sunil Gavaskar and Mithali Raj, lauded the Indian Women’s team for winning their first-ever ICC trophy.

Sunil Gavaskar

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar compared the 2025 World Cup glory to the 1983 win. The cricketer-turned-analyst believes that the win will give wings to women’s cricket and inspire the next generation of girls, regardless of where they come from, thanks to the Women's Premier League (WPL). He wrote in his column for SportStar:

“Just as the ’83 win galvanised Indian cricket and gave it a voice that was heard around the world, this victory will make the countries that started women’s cricket long before India did realise that their era of domination has been shaken. “The ’83 win also encouraged parents of aspiring cricketers to let their children take up the game. The IPL took it to another level, of course, and that’s why today’s Indian men’s team includes players not just from the metros but from across the country.”

The 76-year-old continued:

“Similarly, this win will give new wings to women’s cricket, bringing more girls into the game from the remotest parts of India. The WPL has already begun that process, as parents now see the sport as a genuine career option for their daughters and are more willing to support them. “This is a win to savour, a win to cherish, a win for the ages. Well done, Harmanpreet Kaur and the girls. You have made the country proud — may this be the first of many trophies to come to India.”

Aakash Chopra

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra commended the Women in Blue for winning their maiden title. The cricketer-turned-commentator pointed out that the win was significant as the Women’s World Cup witnessed a new champion after 25 years. He said on his YouTube channel:

“Harmanpreet Kaur's girls have scripted a new story. The girls shone. We have become the world champions and created history. The names of every player in this team will be written in golden letters. They have done a job like that. They are our pride.” “We have got a new winner after 25 years, and that champion is India. This moment is ours, this century is ours. November 2, 2025 - remember this moment, because cricket will never be the same again," he added.

Mithali Raj

Former India captain Mithali Raj shared that she was emotional on the victory, crediting the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side for their remarkable turnaround in the tournament. The 42-year-old said post-match (via NDTV):

"I am just going to give them a hug. The way they have made a comeback in this World Cup was amazing.” "I am just very happy and emotional that India has finally won the World Cup. That is something we all had been waiting for years, and finally we got to see that,” she added.

Notably, India were the fourth and last team to qualify for the semifinals.

Raj further commended the BCCI and WPL for the huge turnaround. She told NDTV:

“The BCCI and the WPL have played a huge role in bringing about this change. Mr. Jay Shah, the former BCCI Secretary and current ICC President, was the one who revolutionised the [women's] sport, taking key decisions and ensuring the WPL was started. Having completed three seasons, the league has clearly changed countless lives, particularly for women cricketers. Their entire approach has shifted.”

Madan Lal

Former India cricketer Madan Lal feels that the World Cup win will inspire more girls to take up the sport in the country. While congratulating the team, he also commended skipper Harmanpreet Kaur for leading the women's side to their first-ever ICC title. The 1983 World Cup-winning player told ANI:

"I want to congratulate the Indian women's cricket team for creating history. After today, you will see the growth that will be seen in women's cricket. More and more girls will come forward to play. BCCI will organise more games now." "Harmanpreet Kaur has been amazing as a captain, but I would suggest that she keep her emotions in check. Her concentration when she plays innings is amazing. She has had a major role to play in the World Cup," he added.

Alex Hartley

Former England cricketer Alex Hartley commended the BCCI for improving the domestic infrastructure in promoting the overall growth of women’s cricket in India. The 2017 World Cup winner feels that Women in Blue can become the next superpower following their World Cup glory. The former spinner told the BBC:

“India could become a juggernaut of women's cricket. It's scary where they could get to. The money that's going to be pumped into the game, the domestic system, more and more people are going to want to be like Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Deepti Sharma.” “There'll be more and more young girls and boys picking up bats to play cricket because of what India have just achieved,” she added.

Looking for fast live cricket scores? Download CricRocket and get fast score updates, top-notch commentary in-depth match stats & much more! 🚀☄️

Edited by James Kuanal