“When they came to me with the trophy…”: Jhulan Goswami on celebrating India’s Women’s World Cup triumph with Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana

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Former Indian pacer Jhulan Goswami, one of the greatest figures in women’s cricket, shared a deeply emotional account of celebrating India’s ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 victory alongside captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana.

Speaking about India’s emphatic win over South Africa in the final at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, Jhulan described the experience as one of the most fulfilling moments of her career – even though she was no longer on the field.

“When they came to me with the trophy, that was the biggest moment in my cricket career,” Jhulan revealed on the sets on Big Boss Season 19. Having been part of India’s heartbreaking near-misses in the 2005 and 2017 World Cups, Goswami said witnessing the team lift the trophy after nearly two decades felt like the culmination of a lifelong dream.

Jhulan Goswami and Anjum Chopra in Bigg Boss

— RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) November 8, 2025

India’s 52-run victory over South Africa in the final marked a historic milestone – the country’s first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup title. As the celebrations began, Harmanpreet, Smriti and the remaining Indian team made a heartfelt gesture that left fans across the nation emotional.

They invited Jhulan, along with other trailblazers Mithali Raj and Anjum Chopra, to join them in lifting the World Cup trophy. The symbolic moment, representing unity between generations of Indian women cricketers, was captured in countless photographs and videos that quickly went viral on social media.

Jhulan, who was working as a broadcaster during the tournament, was seen embracing Harmanpreet amid tears of joy. “The wait was long, but the joy… unmatched,” she said later, summing up two decades of dedication, struggle, and belief.

Jhulan Goswami and Anjum Chopra in Bigg Boss

— RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) November 8, 2025

The gesture from the current team was more than a celebration – it was an acknowledgment of the foundation laid by pioneers like Jhulan, Mithali and Anjum. Their efforts had paved the way for the success of today;s generation, and this moment symbolized that continuity of spirit and determination.

By sharing the stage with their predecessors, Harmanpreet’s side not only honored their cricketing heritage but also highlighted the collective journey of Indian women’s cricket – from fighting for recognition to achieving global supremacy.

Jhulan’s presence and her emotional response reflected what the triumph meant to those who had long dreamed of such a day. Her embrace with Harmanpreet stood out as one of the most iconic sporting images of 2025, representing gratitude, perseverance and fulfillment.

Also READ: Harmanpreet Kaur reflects on India’s 2025 World Cup triumph, reveals Sachin Tendulkar’s inspiring message before the final

During a special Bigg Boss 19 episode celebrating the World Cup win, Jhulan revisited those unforgettable scenes at DY Patil Stadium. She described the victory night as “one that will stay with me forever”, calling it not just a celebration of the current squad’s achievement but a moment of unity for all generations of Indian women cricketers.

She added, “This wasn’t just my dream; it was a dream for everyone who came before us – for those who believed, even when no one else did.”

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.