As India gears up for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 final against South Africa in Navi Mumbai, all eyes are on captain Harmanpreet Kaur — not just for her leadership, but for what could be a defining moment in her career. Having represented India in five ODI World Cups since her debut in 2009, the 36-year-old stands on the brink of history, chasing the one trophy that has eluded her.
Harmanpreet has been the heartbeat of Indian women’s cricket for more than a decade — the face of India’s rise in the women’s game, the leader who carried the side in multiple global tournaments, and the architect of unforgettable innings, including her iconic 171* in the 2017 semifinal.
Yet, the World Cup trophy remains missing from her cabinet.
Emotions running high
During India’s semifinal win over Australia, the Indian captain was visibly emotional even before the final run was scored — teary-eyed in the dugout as the team moved inches closer to the grand stage. When the winning shot was hit, her tears flowed freely — a moment that felt deeper than just a semifinal victory.
For many fans, that emotional outpouring prompted one big question:
Could this World Cup final be Harmanpreet Kaur’s last ODI appearance?
Signs pointing to a farewell?
Harmanpreet began her ODI journey at the 2009 World Cup — and now, 16 years later, stands at the same tournament’s ultimate stage, possibly for the final time. With age, workload, and the evolution of cricket, many believe she might choose this moment for a fairytale exit — much like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma did after the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Former India captain Anjum Chopra believes the thought must be crossing Harmanpreet’s mind.
“Every player knows where they stand… 100% she’s thinking about it,” Chopra said. However, she added that retirement discussions won’t dominate the team atmosphere, as Harmanpreet would not want the focus to shift from the World Cup itself.
A legacy awaiting closure
Harmanpreet has been instrumental in reshaping India’s women’s cricket — carrying the hopes of a generation, inspiring thousands of young cricketers, and fighting for recognition and growth of the women’s game.
Now, she stands one win away from what could be the perfect ending — lifting India’s first Women’s ODI World Cup trophy.
Whether this final is her last match or not, one thing is certain:
Sunday’s final could cement Harmanpreet Kaur’s legacy forever.
And if this truly is her final chapter, she has already written a story that will be remembered for decades.
