They played. They slayed. And what they said

It was a night when history was rewritten and emotions overflowed. As India lifted its first-ever Women’s World Cup, the girls in blue spoke not just as champions but as dreamers who had fought, fallen, and risen together.

Their words — raw, unfiltered, and full of heart — captured everything this win stood for: belief after heartbreak, unity in pressure, and the quiet strength that defines this team. We always believed’ — On turning the tide and breaking barriersThrough every setback, the team’s self-belief never wavered. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur reflected on how confidence and positivity defined India’s journey to the title. “Even when we lost three games back to back, we knew this team had something special to turn the tables around.

Even before the last game, there was self-belief that we would win. The credit goes to each and every member. They stay positive and know exactly what each one has to do. This team deserves the win. This is a start — we wanted to break the barrier.

Now, we want to make this a habit,” said the captain Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana shared how the victory felt surreal after years of heartbreaks — a triumph built on resilience, unity, and quiet faith.

“It’s still sinking in. I’ve never been emotional on the field, but just to read ‘Champions India’… I still can’t process it. Every World Cup came with heartbreaks, but we always knew we had a bigger responsibility with women’s cricket. The way everyone stuck together, prayed for each other — that’s the magic of this team,” she added.

‘Body phenk denge’ — On grit, belief and giving it allFor Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma, the final was all about intent and intensity — playing every ball, every moment, with nothing left behind.“During the huddle, we just said — aaj last din hai, let’s give it everything we have, body phenk denge, whether it’s to stop a four or whatever it takes. Everyone trusted me — woh mere liye bohot important tha,” said Richa GhoshDeepti spoke about how the moment still feels like a dream — one made possible by the spirit of teamwork and the fans who stood by them. “It feels like a dream — we still haven’t been able to come out of this emotion. It feels really good that I was able to contribute in the World Cup final. This victory wouldn’t have been possible without the fans. I love challenges, so no matter the department or the situation, I always enjoy it,” added Deepti Sharma‘Apna game khelo’ — On self-belief and second chancesComing into the tournament midway, Shafali Varma turned pressure into performance.

Her words reflect faith, calm, and the quiet confidence of a player who knew her moment would come, “Maine starting mein bola tha, bhagwan ne yahan mujhe kuch acha karne ke liye bheja hai aur aaj woh reflect hua. I’m very happy that we’ve won the World Cup. It was tough coming into the tournament midway, but I was confident that if I kept self-belief and stayed calm, I could do anything.

Seniors ne bola, ‘apna game khelo, apna game mat chhodo,” said Shafali Varma, Player of the Final Meanwhile, Pratika Rawal, sidelined by injury, shared the bittersweet pride of watching her team win from the sidelines — a reminder that victory belongs to every player, even those who couldn’t take the field. “Injuries are a part of the game, but I’m happy that I was a part of this winning team. To be honest, it was very difficult to sit out and watch. But seeing this energy, seeing this environment — it gave me goosebumps,” she added Pratika Rawal ‘This is just the start’ — On history, hope and what’s nextFor Amanjot Kaur, the victory was not just about the present — it was a promise for the future. A moment that belongs to every fan, every family, and every player who made it possible.“We have created history. This is just the start — Indian cricket will be at the next level. We’re going to dominate all over the world in every format. This win is for everyone — the fans, our families, and for Pratika, who missed out due to injury.

Not everything is good, but there’s good in everything,’ said Amanjot Kaur