In the annals of Indian sports history, very few stories are as compelling and transformative as that of Harmanpreet Kaur, the indomitable captain of the Indian women’s cricket team. Born on 8 March 1989 in the small town of Moga, Punjab, Harmanpreet has transcended from a girl playing cricket with a hockey stick on dusty streets to becoming the most celebrated female cricketer in the nation’s history. Her journey is not just about cricket; it is a testament to unwavering determination, breaking societal barriers, and redefining what it means to be a champion in a country where women’s sports have often been sidelined.
Most recently, on 2 November 2025, Harmanpreet etched her name in golden letters across Indian cricket by leading her team to a historic 52-run victory over South Africa in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. This achievement marked India’s first-ever World Cup title in women’s cricket, a moment that had been eluding the nation for two decades. As the skipper who plucked the decisive catch to seal the trophy, Harmanpreet not only became the first Indian captain—male or female—to lift the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup but also sparked a revolution in how Indian women’s cricket is perceived globally.
The Humble Beginnings: From Moga to Greatness
Harmanpreet Kaur’s story begins in Moga, a city that would gain national prominence because of this extraordinary daughter. Born into a lower-middle-class Sikh family, she grew up in an environment that presented challenges at every turn, yet offered unwavering family support. Her father, Harmandar Singh Bhullar, was not a businessman or a professional with a stable income; he was a volleyball and basketball player who harboured dreams of sporting excellence. Her mother, Satwinder Kaur, was a homemaker who possessed a vision beyond the confines of her household. These two humble parents would become the pillars upon which Harmanpreet’s dreams would stand.
The Moga of Harmanpreet’s childhood was not just an ordinary town; it carried a dark reputation as one of Punjab’s notorious drug capitals. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act had been invoked against hundreds of households in surrounding villages. In Daulewala village, just 17 kilometres from Moga, an astonishing 390 households out of merely 400 were booked for drug peddling. This was the environment in which a young girl dared to dream of playing cricket—a sport that had virtually no visibility or encouragement for women at that time.
From her earliest memories, Harmanpreet was drawn to sports like a moth to flame. She was the oldest of three siblings, with a younger sister Hemjeet, who would later go on to pursue higher education and become an assistant professor at Guru Nanak College in Moga. Her father, inspired by his sporting background, believed in raising his children like sons, instilling in them the values of courage, perseverance, and excellence. This unconventional approach to parenting would prove to be the foundation of Harmanpreet’s exceptional character.
As a young girl playing in the streets of Moga and later in the neighbourhoods of Tarapur, Harmanpreet picked up a hockey stick and fashioned her own cricket bat from whatever materials were available. She played cricket with the boys of her locality, often breaking the windows of neighbouring houses with her aggressive shots. Instead of discouraging her, her father protected her from social ridicule and encouraged her to continue pursuing her passion. When society questioned him for allowing a girl to play cricket—a sport considered masculine and unsuitable for females—he stood firm. This was a courageous stance in a conservative Punjabi society where girls were expected to remain confined to domestic spaces.
The Turning Point: Discovering Her Godfather
Life took a transformative turn when Harmanpreet joined the Gian Jyoti School Academy in Tarapur, located approximately 30 kilometres from her home. This academy would become her training ground and, more importantly, the place where she would meet the man who would change her life forever—Kamaldeesh Singh Sodhi. Sodhi, who was running the academy, immediately recognised the raw talent and explosive potential in this young girl. What impressed him most was not just her technical skills but her hunger, her determination, and her fierce competitive spirit.
The financial situation of Harmanpreet’s family made it impossible to afford the academy’s fees. Coming from such modest means, paying for coaching seemed like a distant dream. However, Sodhi saw something special in her. He made a decision that would alter the course of Indian women’s cricket: he agreed to train Harmanpreet for free, funding her coaching and providing her with equipment. This act of faith became the turning point in Harmanpreet’s journey.
Under Sodhi’s mentorship, Harmanpreet trained rigorously alongside boys at the academy. Her aggressive batting style and remarkable power-hitting abilities began to set her apart. She would often dominate the boys during practice sessions, hitting the ball with such ferocity and precision that they would hesitate to field at short distances. According to her coach, “She would often dominate the boys. She used to hit the ball so hard that the boys seldom tried to get in the way of her shots.” Her six-hitting prowess became legendary in local club tournaments. There is an anecdote that in a six-over match, she smashed a hundred runs—a testament to her explosive batting capabilities even at a young age.
The Gian Jyoti School Academy, recognising her exceptional talent, waived her school fees and provided her with cricket gear. This support from her coach and the institution gave Harmanpreet the space and resources to nurture her dreams. She would later credit Kamaldeesh Singh Sodhi as her Godfather—a man who believed in her when nobody else did and provided both financial and emotional support during the most crucial phase of her development.
International Debut and Early Struggles
At the age of 20, in March 2009, Harmanpreet made her international cricket debut during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup held in Australia. Her entry was marked by an impressive bowling performance against Pakistan at Bradman Oval in Bowral, where she conceded just 10 runs from 4 overs. This was not a spectacular debut marked by explosive batting, but it demonstrated her all-around abilities. Later that same year, in June 2009, she made her T20I debut against England during the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 at County Ground in Taunton.
Despite early success in international cricket, Harmanpreet’s journey was far from smooth. The path of a female cricketer in India during the late 2000s and early 2010s was fraught with challenges. Employment opportunities for women cricketers were virtually non-existent. Despite representing India at the highest level, despite her talent being undeniable, Harmanpreet struggled to secure stable employment. She faced rejection after rejection from potential employers, including the Punjab Police and various state agencies.
This period was marked by despair and uncertainty. Her coach recalls the frustration of those days: “Even after playing for India at a very young age, and having done well, Harmanpreet Kaur was struggling for a job. We requested Punjab Police to employ her, we even met former Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal a few times, but all we got in return was ‘You are a female cricketer. There is no scope for any employment with Punjab Police’.”
It was during this difficult phase that divine intervention came in the form of former Indian cricketer Diana Edulji. Based on Edulji’s recommendation and intervention, Harmanpreet finally secured employment with Indian Railways. This job not only provided financial stability but also allowed her to continue pursuing cricket at the highest level. The Railways’ support for sports became instrumental in enabling her to focus on her cricket career without the constant worry of financial survival.
The Blitzkrieg That Changed Everything: The 171 Masterpiece
If Harmanpreet’s international career before 2017 was marked by steady performances and struggles for recognition, then the 2017 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup semi-final against Australia became the watershed moment that would change everything. Playing under the captaincy of Mithali Raj, Harmanpreet walked to the crease when India found themselves in precarious circumstances at 35 for 2 in just 9.2 overs. Australia, the defending champions, appeared to be in complete control.
What transpired over the next few hours was nothing short of revolutionary. On a rain-affected pitch at Derby’s County Ground, Harmanpreet unleashed a batting masterclass that would be remembered as one of the greatest ODI innings in the history of women’s cricket. She scored an unbeaten 171 off just 115 balls, an innings comprising a staggering 20 fours and 7 sixes. The manner in which she demolished the Australian bowling attack—which included world-class performers like Jess Jonassen and Ashleigh Gardner—was breathtaking.
Her acceleration was dramatic and clinical. She reached her first fifty off 64 balls, her second fifty off another 26 balls, and her third fifty off a barely believable 17 balls. This was aggressive, intelligent batting at its finest. The Powerplay passage saw her pilfer 57 runs off 24 balls, with 47 of those runs coming from her own bat. She took particular aim at the Australian spinners, especially Jess Jonassen’s left-arm spin, from which she scored 45 runs off just 20 balls.
This innings did more than just help India reach a total of 281 for 4. It sparked a revolution. It demonstrated to millions of Indian girls, and indeed to the world, that women’s cricket could be as explosive, as entertaining, and as thrilling as men’s cricket. Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, and Kapil Dev himself took to social media to lavish praise on her extraordinary knock. The innings harked back to Kapil Dev’s famous 175 against Zimbabwe in 1983, often considered one of the greatest innings in cricket history. Harmanpreet’s 171 became the second-highest individual score in World Cup history at that time and the highest by any Indian player.
Unfortunately, despite this magnificent innings, the story did not end in victory. India reached the final against England at Lord’s but suffered a heartbreaking nine-run loss. Nevertheless, the impact of Harmanpreet’s performances during that tournament was seismic. She became a household name overnight, a symbol of Indian women’s sporting excellence, and an inspiration to countless girls across the nation. The team’s return to India saw unprecedented celebrations, and Harmanpreet’s stock had risen to a level never before seen for a female cricketer in the country.
Records, Milestones, and Historic Firsts
Following her explosive 2017 World Cup campaign, Harmanpreet went on to establish herself as one of the most prolific batters in women’s cricket history. The records she has accumulated are staggering:
In 2018, she became the first woman from India to score a century in a Women’s T20 International match, a record that had eluded even Mithali Raj. This century demonstrated her ability to perform across all formats of the game. By 2019, she became the first Indian cricketer, male or female, to play in 100 T20 International matches. This remarkable milestone was followed by her elevation to the captaincy of the Indian women’s cricket team across all three formats—Test, ODI, and T20I.
The statistics paint a picture of sustained excellence. As of November 2025, Harmanpreet has played 182 T20I matches, accumulating over 3,654 runs. She is the only Indian woman cricketer with more than 3,000 runs in T20Is. In One-Day Internationals, she has surpassed 4,300 runs from 159 matches, including 7 centuries and 21 half-centuries. Her strike rate in T20Is stands at an impressive 108.59, while her ODI strike rate is a powerful 76.73. She has also contributed significantly with the ball, taking 32 wickets in T20Is, 31 in ODIs, and 12 in Test cricket.
In 2016, Harmanpreet became the first Indian cricketer, male or female, to sign a contract with an overseas T20 franchise when she joined Sydney Thunder in the Women’s Big Bash League. This was a groundbreaking moment for Indian cricket. She has since become a regular fixture in the WBBL, and her performances have consistently impressed. In the 2017-18 season, she was adjudged the Player of the Tournament for Sydney Thunder, scoring 296 runs from 12 innings at an impressive average of 59.20.
Her franchise cricket achievements also include leading the Mumbai Indians to multiple titles in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), making her the first captain in WPL history to lift multiple titles. The WPL, inaugurated in 2023, saw her leading the Mumbai Indians to victory in the inaugural season after being purchased for INR 1.80 crore. She has also appeared for Surrey Stars in the Kia Super League, continuing her tradition of being a trailblazer for Indian cricketers in overseas T20 leagues.
The Captaincy Era: Leading India to Glory
When Harmanpreet assumed the captaincy of the Indian women’s cricket team, there were many who questioned whether she was the right choice. Critics pointed to her occasional inconsistency and her fiery temperament on the field. However, her leadership has vindicated those who believed in her vision and her understanding of the game. Under her captaincy, India has achieved several historic firsts.
In 2022, India achieved their first bilateral ODI series win in England since 1999, a remarkable achievement that demonstrated the growing strength of Indian women’s cricket. In 2023, under Harmanpreet’s leadership, India secured their first-ever Test victory over Australia in women’s cricket, breaking a long-standing barrier. These achievements showed that Harmanpreet was not just a magnificent batter but also a tactical captain with the ability to inspire her team to achieve extraordinary feats.
At the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Harmanpreet led India to a silver medal, while at the Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2023, she guided her team to gold in the Women’s Twenty20 Asia Cup. These tournaments demonstrated India’s emergence as a genuine powerhouse in women’s cricket under her stewardship.
The World Cup Glory: The Crown Jewel
The culmination of Harmanpreet’s captaincy journey came on 2 November 2025, when India defeated South Africa in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final at Navi Mumbai’s Dr DY Patil Sports Academy. This was far more than just another victory; it was the fulfilment of two decades of dreams and aspirations for Indian women’s cricket.
Batting first, India amassed 298 for 7, with crucial contributions from Shafali Verma (87) and Deepti Sharma (58). When South Africa began their chase, the outcome seemed uncertain for much of the innings. Laura Wolvaardt played a magnificent innings of 101, keeping South Africa’s hopes alive. However, Harmanpreet’s tactical acumen shone through at a crucial juncture. Trusting her instincts, she handed the ball to Shafali Verma, despite the opener having bowled only 14 overs in her entire four-year ODI career. This bold decision proved to be the turning point.
Shafali delivered spectacularly, taking crucial wickets of Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp, breaking the momentum of South Africa’s chase. Deepti Sharma then took over, bowling a spell of extraordinary quality to claim 5 for 39, the most important being the wicket of Wolvaardt. The final moment came when Harmanpreet herself, positioned at cover, leapt to pluck the catch of Nadine de Klerk, sealing India’s first World Cup title.
In the post-match presentation, a visibly emotional Harmanpreet spoke about the long wait and the collective belief of her team: “This is the start. We wanted to break this barrier. And our next plan is to make this a habit. We were waiting for it. Now this moment has come. So many big occasions are coming, and we want to keep improving. This is not the end, just the beginning.”
Awards and Recognition
Harmanpreet’s contributions to Indian cricket have been recognised through numerous prestigious awards and honours. In 2017, she was awarded the Arjuna Award, one of India’s highest sporting honours, by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. This award acknowledged her exceptional achievements in cricket and her contribution to the sport at the national and international levels.
Beyond the Arjuna Award, she has been recognised by various cricket boards and organisations. In 2018, she became the first Indian woman cricketer to be named among Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year, a distinction that reflects her global impact on the sport. This honour placed her alongside some of the greatest cricketers in the world and demonstrated that her excellence transcends borders.
She has received honorary appointments and recognition from various state bodies, including an appointment as Deputy Superintendent of Police by the Punjab Police, an honour that compensated somewhat for her earlier rejection by the same organisation years ago.
The Impact Beyond Cricket
What makes Harmanpreet Kaur’s story truly exceptional is its impact beyond the realm of cricket. In a nation where female athletes have historically struggled for recognition, sponsorship, and opportunities, Harmanpreet has become a symbol of possibility. Her success has opened doors for countless young girls in Punjab and across India who now see cricket as a viable and noble career path.
Her journey from Moga—a city infamous for its drug problems—to becoming the captain of the Indian women’s cricket team carries profound significance. She has demonstrated that birthplace and socio-economic circumstances need not determine destiny. Her story has inspired numerous NGOs and sports programmes focused on women’s empowerment and sports development in Punjab.
Harmanpreet’s aggressive batting style has also influenced how women’s cricket is played in India. The era of cautious, defensive cricket for women has gradually given way to an era of positive, aggressive cricket—an era that Harmanpreet helped pioneer. Young Indian cricketers now feel empowered to play their natural game without worrying about conforming to outdated notions of how women should bat.
Personal Life and Character
While Harmanpreet has maintained a largely private personal life, keeping her focus on cricket and national duties, certain aspects of her character have come to light through interviews and public appearances. She is known for her love of driving, listening to music, and spending time with her family in Moga. She remains unmarried, choosing to dedicate herself entirely to her cricket career—a decision that reflects her singular focus on excellence and her country’s honour.
Her personality on the field is intense and passionate. She wears her emotions on her sleeve, celebrating fiercely when circumstances warrant and expressing frustration when things do not go according to plan. This intensity, while occasionally drawing criticism, is also the source of her competitive fire and her ability to lead her team through difficult moments.
Challenges and Controversies
Like all public figures, Harmanpreet’s journey has not been without controversy. Her famous clash with former captain Mithali Raj, particularly regarding team selection and playing style, became a public spectacle that divided opinion. Some viewed it as a healthy assertion of her views as a young leader, while others considered it inappropriate. She has also faced occasional criticism for her strike rate in certain matches and her occasional inconsistency in certain phases of her career.
There was also the controversy regarding her educational qualifications when she claimed to have obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Chaudhary Charan Singh University in Meerut. An investigation by university officials found no records of her enrollment, and later reports suggested she had studied at Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya in Jalandhar. However, this episode has not significantly impacted her standing in Indian cricket.
The Legacy and Future
As Harmanpreet Kaur enters the latter stages of her playing career at 36 years of age (as of 2025), her legacy is already secure. She has transformed Indian women’s cricket from a sport watched by a niche audience to one that commands national attention and admiration. The 2025 World Cup victory, achieved under her captaincy, will forever be remembered as a defining moment in Indian sporting history.
Her vision for Indian women’s cricket extends beyond her playing days. She has consistently emphasised the importance of developing a winning culture, of making World Cup victories habitual rather than exceptional occurrences. The foundation she has helped build through her performances and leadership will undoubtedly inspire future generations of cricketers.
Harmanpreet has also been vocal about the need for better pay structures, better facilities, and more opportunities for women cricketers in India. She has used her platform to advocate for gender equality in sports and to challenge the status quo that has historically marginalised women’s cricket.
Conclusion: From Stick to Trophy
The journey of Harmanpreet Kaur is one of the most inspiring stories in Indian sports history. From a girl playing cricket with a hockey stick on the dusty streets of Moga, facing social ridicule and financial hardship, to becoming the captain who lifted the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup trophy on home soil—her story encapsulates the triumph of determination, courage, and unwavering belief.
She has broken barriers not just for herself but for countless girls who now believe that playing cricket, excelling in sports, and achieving excellence are not privileges reserved for boys. She has demonstrated that talent, when combined with passion and perseverance, can overcome any obstacle—whether it be societal prejudice, financial constraints, or the entrenched patriarchy of a conservative society.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s name will forever be etched in the history of Indian cricket, not just because of her records and achievements, but because she changed the narrative of women’s cricket in India. She transformed it from a sport played in obscurity to one that commands respect, admiration, and national pride. The World Cup trophy she lifted in 2025 is not just a symbol of her personal achievement; it is a monument to her vision, her leadership, and her unwavering commitment to making Indian women’s cricket world-class.
Her message to every young girl in India is clear and resounding: Never let your circumstances define your destiny. Never accept the limitations that society tries to impose. Dream big, work hard, believe in yourself, and achieve the extraordinary. In the story of Harmanpreet Kaur, we see not just a cricketer but a revolutionary who changed the face of Indian sports forever.
Must Read: Smriti Mandhana: The Woman Who Redefined Indian Cricket
Reference links:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harmanpreet_Kaur
- https://www.sportskeeda.com/player/harmanpreet-kaur
- https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/womens-world-cup-final-harmanpreet-kaur-kapil-dev-habit-winning-2812370-2025-11-03
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/harmanpreet-kaur-from-despair-and-rejection-to-glory/story-j4USYjzyPjECxb5nbZ8IuJ.html
- https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-wwc-2017-1085935/australia-women-vs-india-women-2nd-semi-final-1085974/match-report
- https://www.indiatimes.com/sports/from-fighting-financial-issues-patriarchy-to-becoming-nation-s-pride-harmanpreet-kaur-s-journey-is-truly-inspirational-326332.html
- https://www.icc-cricket.com/tournaments/womens-cricket-worldcup-2025/news/world-cup-success-well-worth-the-wait-for-harmanpreet-kaur
- https://www.cricbuzz.com/profiles/9082/harmanpreet-kaur
- https://www.royalchallengers.com/rcb-cricket-news/news/throwback-to-when-harmanpreet-kaur-wrecked-australia-in-the-2017-world-cup
- https://sports.ndtv.com/women-s-odi-world-cup-2025/harmanpreet-kaur-smriti-mandhana-break-down-after-historic-womens-world-cup-success-9563490