At the stroke of midnight in Navi Mumbai, as the final wicket fell, India’s women’s cricket team lifted the World Cup - a moment resonating with the power and symbolism of the men’s 1983 victory. 
The win wasn’t just a trophy; it was redemption for decades of institutional neglect, path-breaking players and hidden battles. As columnist Shashi Tharoor notes, many in the system once believed the women’s team “shouldn’t even play”. 
Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, the side smashed down barriers with both bat and grit, signalling the true national reach of the sport beyond elite metros and into small-town India. 
It’s a turnaround not just for cricket but for culture: young girls now see that sporting greatness knows no gender or geography. This is Desi dominance born of resilience, and it’s only just beginning.