India Women’s National Cricket Team: A Journey of Grit, Growth, and Glory
Published: June 28, 2025 | By: LikeTvBangla Sports Desk
Over the years, the India Women’s National Cricket Team has transformed from a little-known side into a powerful force in international women’s cricket. Their story is not just about scores and trophies but about breaking barriers, changing mindsets, and inspiring generations of women to dream big. This article dives into the history, evolution, key players, and the rising popularity of the team that continues to win hearts across the globe.
Early Beginnings: A Modest Start
Women’s cricket in India began in the early 1970s, much later than the men’s game. The first official women’s cricket body, the Women’s Cricket Association of India (WCAI), was formed in 1973. That same year, the team played their first Test match against West Indies. Despite minimal resources, media attention, or infrastructure, these pioneering cricketers played with immense passion and set the groundwork for future stars.
Milestones and Achievements
Over the decades, the India women’s team has reached significant milestones that have marked their rise on the world stage:
- 1978: Hosted their first Women's Cricket World Cup.
- 2005: Reached the finals of the Women’s World Cup in South Africa – a huge moment for Indian women’s cricket.
- 2017: Reached the final of the ICC Women’s World Cup in England. Despite a heartbreaking loss to England, the team won massive public and media support.
- 2020: Played their first-ever ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final, finishing as runners-up to Australia in a match watched by over 85,000 people at the MCG.
Legends Who Shaped the Game
The team’s success is built on the hard work and dedication of iconic players who carried the torch during different eras.
Mithali Raj – The Run Machine
One of the greatest women cricketers in history, Mithali Raj served Indian cricket for over two decades. She retired in 2022 as the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket. Known for her calm temperament and classical batting style, Mithali led the team in multiple World Cups and helped elevate the sport’s status in India.
Jhulan Goswami – Queen of Pace
Another legend, Jhulan Goswami, dominated fast bowling for years and retired as the highest wicket-taker in women’s ODIs. Her discipline, consistency, and leadership were key in building a strong bowling attack.
Harmanpreet Kaur – The Powerhouse
Harmanpreet is known for her explosive batting and leadership qualities. Her unbeaten 171 against Australia in the 2017 World Cup semifinal remains one of the most iconic innings in women’s cricket history.
The New Era: Youth and Fire
The current squad boasts of young, fearless talent that plays aggressive and modern cricket. Players like Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma have redefined the image of the Indian women’s cricket team.
Smriti Mandhana – Stylish Southpaw
Smriti is one of the most consistent and stylish left-hand batters in the world. Her timing and strokeplay have drawn comparisons with legends like Sourav Ganguly.
Shafali Verma – The Teenage Sensation
Shafali made headlines as a teenager with her fearless hitting at the top order. She became the youngest Indian cricketer (male or female) to play in all three formats before turning 18.
Women’s IPL and the Changing Landscape
The launch of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2023 was a watershed moment for women’s cricket in India. Featuring top international stars alongside domestic talent, the WPL brought financial stability, media exposure, and a new level of professionalism to the women’s game. Indian players are now household names, and matches see full stadiums and high TV ratings.
Challenges Faced by the Team
Despite their achievements, the Indian women’s team has faced challenges such as:
- Lack of infrastructure and training facilities at the grassroots level.
- Limited access to sponsorship and financial support, though this is improving.
- Media coverage that has historically favored men’s cricket.
However, recent years have shown a positive shift, with BCCI providing central contracts, better match fees, and increased exposure through social media and television.
Support from BCCI and the Government
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) now actively supports the women’s team, offering equal match fees for international fixtures (as of 2022) and ensuring they have access to top-level coaching, fitness, and support staff. Government schemes and Khelo India initiatives are also helping identify and train young talent from rural and small-town India.
India’s Global Standing in Women’s Cricket
India is now one of the top-ranked teams in both ODIs and T20s. The team has a strong fan base not only in India but also in countries like Australia, England, and South Africa. Indian players regularly feature in overseas leagues like The Hundred and the WBBL, gaining valuable international exposure.
What Lies Ahead: The Future Is Bright
The road ahead for the India women’s cricket team looks promising. With better infrastructure, increasing public interest, and professional leagues like the WPL, the sport is reaching new heights. There is a growing pipeline of talented girls eager to represent India, and the dream of winning a World Cup title no longer feels distant.
Conclusion
The India Women’s National Cricket Team represents more than just a sport—they symbolize resilience, dreams, and empowerment. From humble beginnings to packed stadiums and prime-time TV slots, their journey is a powerful reminder of what determination and support can achieve. With each game, they continue to inspire a new generation of girls to pick up the bat and ball and believe in the power of their dreams.
Visit: www.liketvbangla.com for more inspiring sports stories.
