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It’s Time For Indian Women’s Cricket To Rise Or The Pain Will Linger Longer

Rajgeeta Yadav

Women's World Cup 2025 [Source: @ICC/X.com]Women's World Cup 2025 [Source: @ICC/X.com]

When we talk about cricket in India, the men’s team usually steals the headlines. But the truth is, the Indian women’s has been knocking on the doors of greatness for decades, only to find the door locked at the last moment. With the ODI Women’s World Cup kicking off on September 30, one thing is clear: if not now, then when?

As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The future depends on what you do today.” For the Indian women’s team, the future of their legacy depends on this very World Cup at home.

The story of women’s cricket began way back in 1745 in England, when two villages played the first-ever recorded women’s match. India entered the scene in 1976, when the women’s team played its first international Test against West Indies in Bangalore. 

Since then, it’s been a journey filled with flashes of brilliance and heartbreaking near-misses.

India have played 330 ODIs, winning 182. Twice they reached the World Cup final, in 2005 (lost to Australia by 98 runs) and in 2017 (lost to England by just 9 runs). That 2017 defeat still stings. The team was within touching distance of the trophy, but it slipped away like sand through fingers.

Basketball legend Michael Jordan once said, “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” Maybe that’s the lesson here: failure is only a stepping stone if you learn to rise above it.

This ODI World Cup Win Will Be Special 

It’s not like the Indian women’s team hasn’t tasted success. They have won the ODI Asia Cup four times (2004, 2005–06, 2006, 2008). They’ve stunned giants too, remember Harmanpreet Kaur’s explosive 171* against Australia in the 2017 World Cup semi-final? That knock wasn’t just an innings; it was a statement to every critic.

However, despite the big moments, one thing is still missing: the ICC trophy, the World Cup. That’s why every near miss hurts even more.

As Serena Williams put it best: “Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another.” And India desperately needs that one big success story to spark a chain reaction for the next generation of young women cricketers.

Why This World Cup Is Do-or-Die

This upcoming ODI World Cup isn’t just another tournament, it’s a make-or-break moment. If India falter again, the headlines will echo the same painful phrase: “We got so close, yet so far.” 

But if they win, trust me, it will be more than just an achievement. It will be a cultural reset, a sharp rebuke to those who troll women.

Imagine the little girl in Ranchi or Kochi who loves cricket but is told it’s a “boys’ game.” A World Cup trophy in India’s cabinet could change that tightfisted mindset forever.

The team led by Harmanpreet Kaur has the talent, the hunger, and plenty of experience. What they need now is the killer instinct to finish what’s been left undone for too long. Because if not now, then when?

All I can say to end this is: All the best. This is your moment, your chance to shine in front of your people.