Let’s be real—cricket in India isn’t just a sport. It’s a vibe, a religion, a shared pulse that beats through the country every time a ball is bowled. But here’s a thing we don’t talk about enough: the women who play it. The India Women’s National Cricket Team has been turning heads, silencing critics, and giving fans goosebumps for decades. And honestly? It’s about time they got the spotlight they deserve.
Whether you’re a die-hard cricket nerd or just curious about who’s killing it in the women’s game, here are the top 10 things you need to know about our queens in blue.
1. So, When Did It All Begin?
Believe it or not, the India Women’s Cricket Team isn’t exactly new on the block. They played their first official match in 1976 against the West Indies—back when bell-bottoms were a thing and Test matches still ruled the world.
But the journey? It was anything but smooth. For years, women’s cricket in India barely got the funding, support, or recognition it deserved. In fact, until 2006, it wasn’t even under the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India). Let that sink in.
Now, though? The tables have turned. Today, women’s matches are televised, stadiums fill up, and fans chant names like Smriti and Harman just as loudly as they do Kohli or Rohit. About time, right?
2. Who’s Wearing the Captain’s Armband Right Now?
Say hello to Harmanpreet Kaur—the current captain of the Indian women’s cricket team across all formats. She’s fierce, fearless, and fun to watch. Think of her as the Virat Kohli of the women’s side, but with her own fire.
What makes Harman different isn’t just her aggressive playing style—it’s her ability to carry the team emotionally. Remember that insane 171* in the 2017 World Cup semi-final against Australia? If you missed it, do yourself a favor and watch the highlights. Pure goosebumps.
She’s also one of the few Indian cricketers—men or women—to play in T20 leagues around the world. That says a lot.
3. Let’s Break Down the Squad: Who’s Who
Here’s a quick run-through of the current core:
- Smriti Mandhana—stylish left-handed opener with serious flair
- Shafali Verma—a a teenager with a wild swing and no fear
- Deepti Sharma—all-rounder and tactical genius
- Richa Ghosh—power hitter and keeper with nerves of steel
- Renuka Singh Thakur—the swing queen of the new-gen bowlers
- Jemimah Rodrigues—bubbly, sharp, and full of cricketing IQ
There’s more, obviously. But this bunch? They’re shaping the future.
And it’s not just about big shots or hat-tricks—there’s a sense of grit, a hunger to prove that women’s cricket isn’t a “B-side” act anymore. These players are putting their hearts out there every single match.
4. World Cup Woes and Wins: Where Do We Stand?
The Indian women’s team has made it to the finals of the Women’s World Cup twice—in 2005 and again in 2017. Both times, they came heartbreakingly close but couldn’t clinch the title.
2017 still stings for many fans. It wasn’t just a match; it was an awakening. Suddenly, millions of Indians—many of whom didn’t even know we had a women’s team—were glued to their screens, biting their nails.
But here’s the thing: even though we didn’t win the trophy, we won respect. That tournament made names like Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur household names. That matters.
5. The T20 Format: Fast, Furious, Female-Led
You want drama? You want sixes? You want last-ball thrillers? Say hello to India’s T20 women’s squad.
India reached the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2020, and even though they lost to Australia, the journey was electric. It wasn’t just a game—it was a statement.
Shafali Verma was 16 back then, hitting world-class bowlers out of the park like it was gully cricket. And the crowds? Massive. Record-breaking. Proof that women’s cricket, especially in T20s, is where the action’s at.
Oh, and Harman? Yeah—she’s smashed some of the fastest fifties in T20Is. No big deal.
6. Unforgettable Matches: The Ones That Gave Us Chills
Some matches stay with you, right? Here are a few that changed the narrative:
- 2017 World Cup Semi-Final vs. Australia—Harman’s 171* is still one of the most iconic innings in women’s cricket history.
- 2020 T20 World Cup vs. New Zealand—Shafali’s fearless batting stunned everyone.
- Commonwealth Games 2022 Final—Silver for India, but a huge leap in terms of exposure.
These games weren’t just wins or losses—they were turning points. Moments where India paused, watched, and, Wow, these women are seriously good.”
7. Bowling Royalty: Meet the Best with the Ball
India has produced some world-class bowlers, and not just recently.
- Jhulan Goswami—a legend. The highest wicket-taker in women’s ODI history. Tall, fierce, and dead accurate.
- Poonam Yadav—a wrist spin wizard who once had Aussie batters dancing.
- Deepti Sharma—smart, strategic, and steady under pressure.
- Renuka Singh Thakur—bringing that swing magic to the new generation.
You know how you can tell a bowler is legit? When even batters respect them mid-match. That’s what these ladies have earned.
8. Batting Queens: Power, Precision, and Presence
Batting isn’t just about runs. It’s about timing, swagger, and making the crowd go “oof.”
- Mithali Raj – the OG. A calm anchor who carried India on her shoulders for years.
- Smriti Mandhana – plays cover drives so smooth they make your jaw drop.
- Harmanpreet Kaur – big hitter, captain cool, full of drama (in the best way).
- Shafali Verma – still a teen, still wild, and absolutely thrilling to watch.
And here’s a stat nugget: Mithali was the first Indian (man or woman) to cross 7,000 runs in ODIs. Respect.
9. What’s Happening Domestically?
Domestic women’s cricket is growing—and fast.
The biggest boost? Women’s Premier League (WPL)—finally launched in 2023. Think IPL, but with the best women cricketers from around the world.
Teams like Mumbai Indians Women and Delhi Capitals Women brought the heat, and Indian stars got a chance to shine alongside legends like Ellyse Perry and Meg Lanning. Plus, players like Saika Ishaque and Kanika Ahuja suddenly became household names.
And let’s not forget the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, Inter-State One-Day competitions, and more that feed talent into the national squad. The pipeline’s getting stronger.
10. So, What’s Next for the Women in Blue?
Honestly? The future looks ridiculously exciting.
- The next Women’s World Cup is on the radar.
- The WPL will only grow bigger, drawing more fans and investment.
- Young talents like Titas Sadhu, Shweta Sehrawat, and Richa Ghosh are rising stars to watch.
- Talks about equal pay and better infrastructure are finally getting serious.
You can feel it—the energy shift. Like the calm before the storm. And the best part? Young fans—yes, you—are part of that change. Supporting them, watching their games, wearing their jerseys. That matters more than you know.
Final Thoughts: Cricket Is Cricket—No “Men’s” or “Women’s” Required
Let’s stop calling it “women’s cricket” like it’s a spin-off. It’s cricket. Period. Played with heart, hustle, and a truckload of talent.
The India Women’s National Cricket Team is not just catching up—they’re redefining what cricket in India can look like. So next time you hear someone say, “Who even watches women’s cricket?”—hit them with facts, stats, or better yet, a YouTube link to Harman’s 171.