The latest Women’s ODI World Cup winners India Women are preparing to begin their new era, as they are set to host Sri Lanka for a five-match Women’s T20I series, the beginning of a preparation for next year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Two teenagers, who were the heroes for the India Women U19 team to win the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 early this year, have earned their maiden senior national team call-ups. 

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India Women will play five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka Women

India will host a five-match Women’s T20I series against Sri Lanka Women between December 21 and 30. Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam will host the first two fixtures on December 21 and 23. Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram will host the next three games on December 26, 28, and 30. 

Harmanpreet Kaur is ready to lead the Indian side, while Smriti Mandhana will continue her deputy leadership role. From their last T20I series campaign in the English tour, Radha Yadav, Yastika Bhatia, and Sayali Satghare have been excluded from the Indian squad. 

Gunalan Kamalini and Vaishnavi Sharma earn maiden call-ups

The 17-year-old wicketkeeper Gunalan Kamalini and the 19-year-old left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma have earned their maiden senior national team call-ups. Both played important roles for India Women’s U19 team to win the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025. While Vaishnavi finished as the leading wicket-taker in that tournament with 17 wickets, Kamalini was the third leading run-scorer in that tournament with 143 runs in seven games, including two half-centuries. 

India Women's complete squad for five-match home T20I series against Sri Lanka Women

Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain), Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Harleen Deol, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur, Richa Ghosh (wk), Gunalan Kamalini (wk), N Sree Charani, Vaishnavi Sharma.

Fresh off India’s historic Women’s World Cup triumph, star opener Smriti Mandhana is shining both on and off the field. The 29-year-old cricket icon is reportedly set to tie the knot with music composer and filmmaker Palash Muchhal on November 23, turning their union into one of the most anticipated celebrity weddings of the year.

The excitement surrounding the couple intensified after a recent viral photograph showed Palash proudly holding the World Cup trophy beside Mandhana. Fans called it the “perfect pre-wedding gift,” applauding Palash for celebrating his fiancée’s monumental achievement. Social media quickly turned into a celebration zone with messages cheering on their love story.

Adding to the buzz, Mandhana delighted fans with a playful video featuring her World Cup-winning teammates Jemimah Rodrigues, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy and Shreyanka Patil. The cricketers danced together to the hit track Samjho Ho Hi Gaya, capturing the joy and camaraderie within the squad. The video ended with Mandhana revealing a sparkling engagement ring, an unmistakable sign that festivities have officially begun.

PM Narendra Modi sends heartfelt wishes as he congratulates music composer & Filmmaker Palash Muchhal and vice Captain of the Indian women's cricket team Smriti Mandhana on their wedding. ✨❤️ pic.twitter.com/TFXVca5teA

— Tellychakkar.com (@tellychakkar) November 20, 2025

ALSO SEE: Watch: Hardik Pandya gets engaged to Mahieka Sharma? Official video goes viral

Love, music and cricket come together as Smriti Mandhana prepares for her biggest off-field milestone

Palash Muchhal, 30, is a rising name in the Indian entertainment industry. Younger brother of noted playback singer Palak Muchhal, he has composed more than 40 music videos for major labels and directed the web series Rickshaw. He is also working on his film project Ardh, starring Rajpal Yadav and Rubina Dilaik. His career began early with a role in Ashutosh Gowariker’s Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey.

Meanwhile, Mandhana continues to scale new heights in world cricket. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain remains the most expensive signing in Women’s Premier League history and is celebrated globally for her consistency and leadership.

Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined in the celebrations, sending heartfelt wishes to the couple and their families. His congratulatory note highlighted their achievements and expressed hope for a joyful, inspiring future together.

With wedding anticipation soaring and celebrations already underway, fans eagerly await November 23, when cricket’s beloved cover-drive queen begins a new innings in life.

Indian cricket star and World Cup winner Smriti Mandhana has finally put the engagement rumours to rest – and in a style perfectly matching her cheerful personality. On Thursday, November 20, Mandhana shared a light-hearted Instagram reel with India teammates Jemimah Rodrigues, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil and Arundhati Reddy, confirming the happy news that fans had been waiting for.

In the now-viral video, the group grooves to the popular track “Samjho Ho Hi Gaya” from Lage Raho Munna Bhai, before Mandhana reveals her sparkling diamond ring to the camera. The fun reveal instantly won the internet, with supporters calling it the “cutest thing on the internet today”. Even fellow cricketers joined the celebration in the comments, congratulating the vice-captain on her big moment.

Love, Cricket and Celebrations: Mandhana Steps Into a Special Milestone

The engagement comes after weeks of speculation surrounding her relationship with music composer and filmmaker Palash Muchhal. Last month, Palash had cheekily hinted at their future while attending an event in Indore, saying, “She will soon become the daughter-in-law of Indore... that’s all I want to say,” fueling excitement among fans.

The couple, admired for keeping their personal life low-key, has reportedly been together since 2019. Their love story blossomed through shared interests in cricket and music, and Palash has often been spotted in the stands, supporting Mandhana during major matches. They made their relationship public only in 2024, choosing to let their journey speak for itself rather than media attention.

ALSO SEE: 5 most controversial moments in Ashes history that shocked the cricketing world

Watch the video:

🚨Smriti Mandhana is now engaged💍

She is getting married soon.... pic.twitter.com/LOyDfpe21h

— Mention Cricket (@MentionCricket) November 20, 2025

With India recently lifting their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup trophy after a memorable win over South Africa, festivities have only intensified. Mandhana was a standout performer throughout the tournament, topping India’s scoring charts with 434 runs in nine innings, including a crucial 45 in the final.

According to reports, the couple has already begun pre-wedding ceremonies in Indore, hosted by the Muchhal family. A viral wedding invite circulating online suggests the big day will take place on November 23, with celebrations expected in both Indore and Mandhana’s hometown, Sangli.

As India continues to celebrate its cricketing hero, fans now have another reason to cheer, the beginning of a beautiful new chapter in Smriti Mandhana’s life.

The Bangladesh women’s team captain, Nigar Sultana, has created a new controversy by dragging the Indian Women’s World Cup-winning captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, by taking a sharp dig. Her comments came while responding to the former pacer Jahanara Alam’s claims that she had hit and misbehaved with the junior players in the national team. 

Sultana denied the allegations and used the moment to reference Harmanpreet’s infamous 2023 outburst during the Indian side’s trip to Bangladesh, where the Indian captain smashed the stumps with her bat after a leg before the wicket decision and publicly criticized the umpires, triggering a major controversy.

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“Why would I hit anyone? I mean, why would I strike the stumps with my bat? Am I Harmanpreet, that I would go around hitting the stumps like that? Why would I do it? In my personal space, if I’m cooking or something, I might bang my bat around, I might hit my helmet — that’s my own business. But why would I do something like that to someone else? Why would I get physical? Just because someone says so?” Joty expressed in an interview with Daily Cricket.

Bangladesh captain slams Harmanpreet Kaur to create new controversy

In an old interview, it was claimed that the junior players were called to be beaten by Sultana, but the Bangladesh captain said that if that was the case, the players would have approached the team management. India recently earned the Women’s World Cup 2025 by beating South Africa in the final at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.

“The way I’ve been described in front of everyone — I’m not that kind of girl at all. First, I heard that Jahanara apu has made an allegation about me, saying that someone called her in Australia and said, ‘Please save us, Jyoti apu is beating us and finishing us off.” Joty added.

“What I’m trying to say is: someone who hasn’t been here for six or seven years and has gone off to Australia — if I really beat someone or harmed someone in any way, is there no team management, no manager, no coaching staff? Am I the ultimate authority then?” Bangladesh captain shed light.

Indian women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur received a grand welcome at Velammal Nexus School in Chennai after leading India to their first-ever Women’s World Cup title in 2025. A video shared by ANI showed her entering the school with loud cheers all around. She also cut a cake to celebrate India’s historic victory.

Harmanpreet made history by becoming the first captain of the Indian women’s cricket team to win a World Cup in any format. India defeated South Africa by 52 runs in the final of the 50-over World Cup at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. India delivered two outstanding performances against a very strong Australia and South Africa to win the trophy in the World Cup Final.

The Indian captain also batted well during the tournament, amassing 260 runs in nine matches at an average of 32.50 and a strike rate of 89.04. One of her most important knocks came in the semi-final against Australia; she scored 89 runs. This helped India successfully chase 339 runs and enter the final by defeating the defending champions.

Harmanpreet Felicitated in Chennai; Talks About Changing View of Women’s Cricket

At the school, Harmanpreet was welcomed with traditional dhol beats and was presented with a huge garland. She even joined a short practice session with young girls, inspiring them with her presence. After the welcome, she took part in a Q&A session with students. During the interaction, she said she was happy that people no longer compare men’s and women’s cricket. She added that high viewership and full stadiums for women’s matches made her proud. “It is good to see that now people only talk about cricket without comparing. Now everyone enjoys and the viewership is high; stadiums are full. It is a proud moment,” she said, as quoted by ANI.

Watch the video here

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu | Harmanpreet Kaur, the Captain of the Indian Women's Cricket Team, arrives at Velammal Nexus School in Chennai, where she will be felicitated for her remarkable achievement in winning the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. pic.twitter.com/SnDJQYjtWu

— ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2025

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India’s 2025 World Cup win was very special because it was their first title and came on home soil. The team had a tough journey, winning the first two matches but then losing three in a row. They rebounded with a massive victory over New Zealand, progressing to the semi-final, where an excellent innings by Jemimah Rodrigues saw India chase 339 against Australia. In the final, solid starts from Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Varma helped India set a target of 299. Despite Laura Wolvaardt’s century for South Africa, India held their nerve and bowled them out for 246, winning the match by 52 runs.

After leading India to a historic Women’s World Cup victory, captain Harmanpreet Kaur is all set to be honored by the Punjab government. However, instead of a promotion to Superintendent of Police (SP), she will receive a cash prize for her remarkable achievement.

The Punjab government has reportedly decided to reward the three players from the state, Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, and Amanjot Kaur, who were part of India’s title-winning team with ₹1.5 crore each. In addition, both Harleen and Amanjot are expected to receive government job offers as recognition for their contribution to India’s maiden Women’s ODI World Cup win.

According to a report by Tribune India, even though Harmanpreet led the team to glory, she will not be given an immediate promotion. Currently serving as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), she must complete the required number of years in service before becoming eligible for promotion to SP.

Punjab Government Plans Felicitation Ceremony for World Cup Heroes

Reports suggest that while the Punjab government is exploring ways to give her a special honour, a direct promotion at this stage is not possible under existing service rules. Interestingly, hockey star Manpreet Singh, who also serves as a DSP, has been waiting for his promotion to SP since 2021, despite previous announcements.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is expected to felicitate Harmanpreet, Harleen, and Amanjot in a special ceremony once the captain returns to Punjab. Sources say that all arrangements for the event are ready, and an official announcement will be made soon.

See Also: BCB vice-president Faruque Ahmed hospitalized after suffering cardiac arrest in Dhaka

Harmanpreet's police career has been one of ups and downs. In 2018, she had been demoted from DSP to a constable after her degree, which was from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, was declared invalid. At that time, it was not UGC-recognised. In 2024, after completing her degree through Lovely Professional University, Harmanpreet was reinstated as DSP.

Despite these challenges, Harmanpreet Kaur continues to be one of India's most successful and respected cricketers. India went on to beat South Africa in the final of the 2025 World Cup under her captaincy at the DY Patil Stadium-a proud moment for the whole nation-to bring home the country's first-ever Women's World Cup title.

Pratika Rawal, one of India’s young stars in the Women’s World Cup 2025, was first denied her winner’s medal because of an injury that forced her to miss the knockout matches. The talented opener had played a big part in India’s road to victory but was left out of the final celebrations. Thankfully, after Jay Shah’s personal intervention, Rawal will now receive her well-earned winner’s medal.

The confusion began because, under ICC rules, only the final 15-member squad at the end of the tournament is eligible for medals. Since Rawal was replaced by Shafali Verma after her injury, she was not listed in the final squad. Even though she had helped India reach the knockout stage with important performances, she didn’t qualify under the rules.

During the team’s official celebration, Rawal joined her teammates in a wheelchair but did not receive a medal. Later, when she was seen wearing a support-staff medal while meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, people began asking questions about why a key player had been left out. The incident quickly sparked debate among fans about how players should be recognized for their efforts, even if they miss the finals due to injury.

Jay Shah Steps In to Help

To clear the matter, Pratika Rawal spoke to CNN News18 and shared that Jay Shah, ICC Chairman and former BCCI secretary, stepped in to fix the issue. “Jay Shah intervened and told us he wants to make sure I get a medal of my own. It is on the way. I will get it soon,” Rawal said. His action ensured that her contribution would not be forgotten.

See Also: Former World Cup winner likely to replace Ajit Agarkar as chairman of the BCCI selection committee

Before her injury, Rawal had an amazing tournament, scoring 308 runs in six innings with an average of 51.33. Her 122-run knock against New Zealand was one of the highlights of the World Cup. She also became the joint-fastest woman to reach 1,000 ODI runs. Now, with her medal on the way, Pratika Rawal finally gets the recognition she truly deserves.

The Indian Women’s Cricket Team, winners of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday, November 6. The President congratulated every member of the team and praised them for creating history with their outstanding World Cup win. She called their performance a proud moment for the entire country and said that the victory has made every Indian celebrate with joy.

President Murmu said that millions of Indians, both in India and abroad, are proud of the team’s success. She noted that by defeating the seven-time world champions, Australia, who were unbeaten before the final, the Indian women strengthened the nation’s faith in their talent and hard work. The President said that winning the final by such a big margin against a strong opponent showed the team’s skill, unity, and determination to bring glory to India.

On X (formerly Twitter), President Murmu shared her appreciation for the players. She wrote, “Members of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team, winners of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The President congratulated the team and said that they have created history and have become role models for the younger generation. She said that this team reflects India. They represent different regions, different social backgrounds, different circumstances but they are one Team, India.”

President Murmu Applauds Team’s Strength and Inspiration

The President emphasized that the members of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team have become role models for the youth, especially for girls across the nation. She said their success will inspire young women to chase their dreams with confidence and commitment. Murmu expressed faith that the same determination that led them to the World Cup win will continue to keep Indian cricket at the top in the years to come.

Members of the Indian Women Cricket team, winner of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The President congratulated the team and said that they have created history and have become role models for younger generation.… pic.twitter.com/lHBBXRcPh5

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 6, 2025

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President Murmu also acknowledged the challenges the team had to face on their journey, moments of hope, doubt, and sleepless nights. She said their staying strong and focused in such situations showed the character of the players. Referring to the team's crucial win against New Zealand, she said it was then the belief grew stronger that India could go all the way. The President also complimented the coaching staff and the support team for their vital role in the success. She wished them more successes ahead and felicitated the winners for continuing to create new records of excellence for Team India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a light-hearted conversation with India all-rounder Deepti Sharma, asking her how Lord Hanuman helps her in life. The interaction took place on Wednesday, November 5, when the Prime Minister hosted the Indian women’s cricket team in Delhi following their historic 2025 World Cup triumph. On Sunday, November 2, Harmanpreet Kaur and her team created history by defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final at the DY Patil Stadium to clinch India’s maiden Women’s World Cup title.

During the interaction, PM Modi noticed a tattoo of Lord Hanuman on Deepti Sharma’s left hand and curiously asked how it inspires her. “You have this tattoo, so how does Lord Hanuman help you?” the Prime Minister asked. Deepti, known for her calm composure and match-winning contributions, expressed her genuine belief in Lord Hanuman as a source of strength and faith during those tough times.

In response, Deepti Sharma said, “Sir, it means that I have more belief in him than even in myself. Whenever such a time comes, when difficulties arise, I take his name, and I feel that I come out of those difficulties. That’s how much belief I have in him.” Deepti's words expressed her deep spiritual faith and the role of that faith in her pathway to cricket.

Harmanpreet Kaur on Keeping the Winning Ball

During the same interaction, Prime Minister Modi also asked captain Harmanpreet Kaur about the winning ball she had kept in her pocket. In the final, Deepti Sharma took the last wicket, with Harmanpreet completing the catch that sealed India’s victory. When asked about it, the skipper smiled and said, “Sir, this was also God’s plan because it wasn’t like I knew the last ball and the last catch would come to me, but that ball came to me. And after so many years of hard work and waiting, I just thought that since it has come to me now, it will stay with me. It’s in my bag.”

Watch the video here

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With this remarkable campaign, Harmanpreet Kaur became the first captain to lead the Indian women’s cricket team to a World Cup title, while Deepti Sharma’s all-round brilliance earned her the Player of the Tournament award for scoring 215 runs and taking 22 wickets in nine matches.

Just a few days after leading India to a historic Women's ODI World Cup victory, captain Harmanpreet Kaur celebrated the occasion in a special way. She shared a photo of her new World Cup trophy tattoo on her left arm, which quickly went viral on social media. The tattoo shows how proud she is of the victory and what it means to her and Indian women’s cricket.

Fans were amazed and emotional after seeing the picture. Harmanpreet posted it with the heartfelt caption, "Forever etched in my skin and my heart. Waited for you since Day 1 and now I will see you every morning and be grateful." Her post received a flood of love and praise from fans all over the country.

After the historic victory, players like Harmanpreet and other members of the women's team have been part of numerous interviews and social media posts where they went through the emotional experience of being World Champions. One fun video shared by the BCCI has Harmanpreet recounting some touching memories of her first performing cricket days, which was her initial involvement in the sport.

A Dream Born in Childhood

“Ever since, as a kid, I started getting a sense of what likes and dislikes were, I've always seen a bat in my hand. I still remember we used to play with a bat from my dad's kit bag. The bat was very big,” she said. “One day, my dad cut an old bat of his to make it small for me. We used to play with it. Whenever we used to watch a match on TV, or watch India play, or watch the World Cup, I used to think, I need an opportunity like this. At that time, I didn't even know about women's cricket.”

World Cup on the arms - Harmanpreet Kaur with her new tattoo. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ZlOlBAaBWr

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 5, 2025

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For Harmanpreet, that early fascination soon turned into a mission to inspire change in women’s cricket. “I was dreaming, when will I wear this blue jersey? So I think this means a lot to me, a young girl who didn’t know about women’s cricket, but still dreaming that one day, I want to bring that change in our country,” she said. “And I think, it all shows that you should never stop dreaming. You never know where your destiny will take you. You never think, when will it happen, how will it happen. You only think, this will happen.”

Having waited nearly two decades for this glory, Harmanpreet admitted that lifting the trophy as captain was the culmination of a lifelong dream. “Personally, it's a very emotional moment. Because it was my dream since childhood. Ever since I started playing, it was my dream to win the World Cup one day. If I get an opportunity to lead my team, I don’t want to miss this opportunity,” she said, her voice filled with pride and gratitude.