Harmanpreet Kaur features on Femina’s December cover with the unmistakeable energy of a woman capturing the raw emotion and steady fire that powered one of Indian cricket’s most defining wins. In the Cover Story, her journey mirrors the evolution of women’s cricket itself, from the days when the sport was barely visible to a time when stadiums roar in applause, young girls wait outside gates for a glimpse of their heroes, and the nation stands firmly behind its women athletes.
Harmanpreet’s story sits at the intersection of grit and grace, shaped by long training days on rough grounds, the quiet encouragement of a family that backed her dream, and a sporting landscape finally opening its doors to talent such as hers. This feature celebrates her as both a trailblazer and a witness to a movement she helped ignite, offering an unfiltered view of the milestones, the doubts, and the conviction that brought her here.
Harmanpreet revisits the moment that changed everything: “When the last wicket fell, it wasn’t celebration I felt first, it was silence. Then relief hit, deep and heavy, followed by joy. Looking at the girls, I thought, finally, we did it.”
She laughingly recalls her instinctive moment of celebration that became an instant memory for millions, “That Bhangra wasn’t rehearsed at all; it was pure emotion… When I lifted the trophy, everything hit me at once, and my feet just moved before I could think about it. It was my way of saying we did it! That little dance captured the moment better than words ever could.”
In a world that often hunts for dramatic backstories, her choice of #23 on her jersey stands out for its clarity. Harmanpreet reveals, “Honestly, there’s no big story behind it…. I’m not very superstitious about numbers. It’s just a number I like and feel comfortable wearing on the field.”
Looking back at how far the sport has come, Harmanpreet reflects, “Back in 2009, women’s cricket was almost invisible, with few staff, basic facilities, and matches few knew about. Now, things have changed. Little girls cheer outside stadiums, crowds are excited, and opportunities are growing. The team’s confidence has soared.” She’s clear, though, that the journey isn’t complete. “There’s more to do. Proper grounds and coaching for all girls, family support, and stronger domestic cricket. We’ve come far, but the journey ahead is bigger but now, the whole country is with us.”
And, finally, Harmanpreet shares what this massive victory truly means: “I want this win to be a statement that women’s cricket and sport in India belong on the biggest stages. I want little girls in small towns to see it and think, I can do that too in cricket or any sport.”
