As India lifted the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 trophy in Navi Mumbai, one major question began circulating among fans and pundits — is this Harmanpreet Kaur’s final ODI appearance?
The Indian captain, who made her international debut at the 2009 Women’s ODI World Cup, has completed a remarkable 16-year journey in the format. With the match presentation ceremony still left at DY Patil Stadium, speculation is rising that she might use the moment — in front of a packed home crowd and millions watching — to announce her future, be it a continuation or a farewell.
Whispers of a potential retirement have grown louder over the last 48 hours, particularly after former India captain Anjum Chopra weighed in with a striking comparison. Chopra noted that several sporting icons have chosen to sign off at the absolute peak — Pete Sampras retiring after winning the 2002 US Open, and more recently Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma bidding goodbye to T20 internationals immediately after India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph.
“Every player dreams of ending their career with a fairytale finish,” Chopra said, adding that Harmanpreet could very well consider a similar narrative. Ending her ODI career by delivering India’s first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup title would be a moment worthy of cricketing folklore.
However, there has been no official word from Harmanpreet yet. Sources close to the team suggest that while she has considered her long-term plans, a decision may only be revealed during or after the post-match presentation.
