R Ashwin hails Harmanpreet-led India for paying tribute to legends, says ‘something the men’s team never did’

Ravichandran Ashwin hails Harmanpreet Kaur’s Team India for their heartfelt tribute to legends, says ‘men’s team never showed such grace’

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has praised Harmanpreet Kaur and the Indian women’s cricket team for their touching gesture after winning the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 — a gesture he said “the men’s team has never done.”

Following India’s historic maiden World Cup triumph over South Africa in Navi Mumbai, the women’s team invited former captains Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, and Anjum Chopra — icons of Indian women’s cricket — to join their celebrations on the field. The trio, part of the commentary panel at the Dr DY Patil Stadium, lifted the trophy with the players and shared tears of joy as the crowd roared in approval.

Ashwin’s heartfelt appreciation

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin called the gesture a defining moment of respect and gratitude that transcended generations. “After India’s win, they handed the trophy to Mithali Raj. Why did they do that? I take my hat off to the Indian women’s team for that. The men’s team has never done something like this,” he said.

He reflected on the women’s cricket journey over the past decade — from Harmanpreet Kaur’s iconic 171* in the 2017 World Cup semi-final to the heartbreak against England in the final that year — and praised the current team for recognising the pioneers who laid the foundation.

“Sometimes, we talk about our predecessors because it’s trendy to do so in front of cameras. But rarely do we see genuine gratitude. The women’s team didn’t just talk about it — they showed it,” Ashwin added.

Jhulan Goswami’s emotional moment

Among the many poignant scenes of India’s victory night, none stood out more than Jhulan Goswami’s tears as she held the World Cup trophy for the first time — a dream she had chased for nearly two decades before retiring in 2022.

Later, speaking to Star Sports, Goswami revealed a touching backstory:

“Before this World Cup, the girls came to my room at midnight and said, ‘We’ll do it for you.’ I didn’t know if they really could, but they did. That’s why I broke down. It felt like everything had come full circle.”

A victory beyond numbers

India’s triumph in Navi Mumbai didn’t just mark their first-ever Women’s World Cup win — it symbolised a generational bridge, uniting past and present. The image of Harmanpreet, Mithali, and Jhulan together on the podium wasn’t just about a trophy; it was about legacy, respect, and the quiet power of gratitude.