It was a moment that the whole nation remembered for a long time — the night on 2nd November when India’s women’s cricket team secured their first-ever Women’s World Cup trophy. It was a moment that was soaked in pride, glory and tears of happiness. The sky was full of fireworks and the hearts of the people across the country were overflowing with joy when the former Indian women’s cricketers took the trophy that had been waiting for them, high up in the air.
Done with their playing careers, they went on to achieve their dream that they had always been longing for — a gesture which won the hearts of people all over the world. One of the persons who felt deeply touched by that moment was former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, he conveyed his admiration for the eloquent tribute on his YouTube channel.
Ravichandran Ashwin praises women’s team, takes subtle dig at men’s side
After being tough, getting their hearts broken, and showing really strong will for many years, the Women in Blue made it all the way in a very dramatic way, thus putting an end to the long years of their waiting for an ODI World Cup title, which they have never won before. One of the most memorable moments in the history of the game was the eleven brave ones who did what no one thought possible, and it was even more amazing because they did it in front of the ex-heroes Anjum Chopra, Mithali Raj, and Jhulan Goswami, to whom they handed over the moment.
When the veterans lifted the trophy, the emotion was palpable. Ashwin lauded the gesture, remarking that the men’s team had never done anything similar.
“The entire Indian team gave the trophy to Mithali Raj. Why did they do it? I am actually taking my hat out. The Indian men’s team never did it. They only say such things in front of the media because they are media-trained. But I have not seen them give credit to previous generations,” Ashwin said.
He added that the women’s side had shown rare humility and perspective.
“What I have seen is discussions about ‘my generation’s team is better than yours.’ But this women’s team… Anjum Chopra was there, Mithali Raj was there, they gave the trophy to them with joy, telling them that the seeds they sowed have now bloomed. I found that unbelievably good.”
For Ashwin, the moment symbolised more than just victory — it was the culmination of decades of effort. He highlighted that the triumph belonged to every player who had ever worn the India jersey.
“Today's win is not just today’s. It’s been 25–30 years in the making. That’s why I find this women’s team incredible. Even in the height of their success, they remembered the pioneers who paved the way. They didn’t wait for anyone to remind them — they did it on their own,” he said.
Ashwin wasn’t the only one whose eyes welled up with tears. The movement went viral and came to be recognized as a worldwide symbol of unity among the Indian women’s cricket team, the team that is known for their fighting spirit even in the toughest of times. The year 2025 saw India bringing home the World Cup after two major losses in 2005 and 2017, winning against South Africa in the final by 52 runs and thus making the triumph of each generation that had dared to dream of this day, theirs.
