Life beyond a metro: Villages, towns genesis of India’s women’s World Cup dream

India's women cricket team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, triumphs in the ODI World Cup, showcasing talent from small towns and inspiring future generations.

Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of the team that won the ODI World Cup comes from Moga, Punjab, the daughter of a volleyball player turned court clerk. Smriti Mandhana, who has effortlessly transformed from a precocious teen talent to a reliable match winner comes from Sangli, Maharashtra, where her father once played district-level cricket.

Indian players celebrate their win over South Africa in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup final match at DY Patil in Navi Mumbai. Mumbai(Raju Shinde)