Interviewing Harmanpreet Kaur: A Moment to Remember
It’s not every day that you get a chance to sit down with a World Cup-winning captain, and I recently had that opportunity with Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of the Indian women’s cricket team. I managed to grab just a minute of her time during a busy media event, where every second felt like a race.
Events like this are part of the job for reporters. You arrive, wait your turn, and hope to ask a meaningful question. But when someone as prominent as Harmanpreet is in the room, the atmosphere shifts. There’s a buzz of urgency as reporters from various outlets try to get ahead, all wanting a piece of the action before the moment slips away.
I also felt that urgency as I waited for my turn. By the time I got to speak with her, there was a noticeable weariness in the air. Her manager was hinting at wrapping things up, suggesting that this might be the last interaction before lunch. Someone even inquired about bringing food into the room. Harmanpreet herself admitted she hadn’t eaten in a while.
Despite the circumstances, she greeted me with a warm smile and was ready for one more question.
This moment, even if brief, carried a lot of weight. I had learned about the event only a day earlier, leaving me little time to prepare or fine-tune my inquiry. In such situations, you have to trust your instincts. I went with what felt right and hoped it would resonate.
Reflecting on it, my question might not have been groundbreaking. I asked her if India’s first Women’s ODI World Cup win could lift the mental barriers that had held the team back for years, and whether it could lead to a stronger phase for the team.
Her response, however, was clear and impactful.
“As a captain, I really want to see our team winning more titles. In the past, we came close, but we couldn’t quite get there. Now we know what it takes to win. It’s about maintaining that standard. We have many matches and tournaments ahead, and hopefully, we can bring more trophies home,” Harmanpreet said.
It was a straightforward reply, yet it highlighted a significant change. For years, India’s women’s cricket team was known for falling short. They made it to finals and showed promise, but crossing the finish line often seemed just out of reach. That all changed on November 2, 2025, in Navi Mumbai.
What follows is usually the tougher part.
Winning is one thing, but keeping that momentum going takes a different mindset. Harmanpreet’s words showed that shift. The focus is no longer just on winning, but on staying on top.
The upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup in June 2026 will be a real test for the team as they aim to build on their recent success.
The interview took place during an unveiling event where a stand at the new Omaxe State Stadium in Dwarka is set to be named in her honor. This stadium will also feature ‘The Pink Stand,’ designed specifically to welcome single women and families, making the game more accessible for all.
Omaxe MD Mohit Goel explained that naming a stand after Harmanpreet acknowledges both her journey and the growth of women’s sports in India. The introduction of the Pink Stand aims to make stadium experiences more inclusive.
In many ways, this setting reflects where Indian women’s cricket stands today. There’s rising recognition and momentum, but also heightened expectations.
As our brief time together came to an end, Harmanpreet was quickly guided away, finally heading to the lunch she had been waiting for.
But her words lingered in the air.
Moments before, it was just about a missed meal. However, her answer carried a deeper meaning. A team that has finally broken through is no longer satisfied with just making it.
For Harmanpreet Kaur, that ambition—both on and off the field—might define what’s next for her and her team.
