Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hosted India’s World Cup-winning women’s cricket team at his residence on Lok Kalyan Marg, congratulating the players for scripting history and inspiring a generation.
The meeting was warm, informal, and filled with laughter but there was one moment that stole the spotlight, when all-rounder Harleen Deol asked the Prime Minister with a grin, “Sir, what is your skincare routine?” Modi burst out laughing before replying, “I don’t think about all that.”
The video, released on social media on Thursday, quickly went viral. During the conversation, Modi praised Harmanpreet Kaur and her team for silencing critics after their comeback in the tournament. “The troll sena was after you,” he said, commending them for turning doubt into dominance.
The Harmanpreet-led team, smartly dressed in formal blazers and wearing their medals, spoke about the roller-coaster campaign that ended in glory with their 52-run victory over South Africa in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup final at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai.
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Captain Harmanpreet Kaur recalled meeting Modi after the 2017 campaign: “It feels special to meet him now with the trophy in our hands.” Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana said the Prime Minister’s words have “always been a source of motivation.”
A conversation beyond cricket
Deepti Sharma, named Player of the Tournament, shared that Modi remembered their earlier interaction in 2017 when he had urged her to “keep working hard.” The PM also noticed her Hanuman tattoo, to which Deepti smiled and said it gives her strength.
Fast bowler Kranti Gaud mentioned that her brother is a devoted Modi supporter to which the PM instantly invited him to visit.
Harmanpreet then asked Modi how he manages to stay calm and present amid chaos. He replied, “It has become a habit in life.” Modi also recalled Harleen’s 2021 viral catch against England which was a moment he had posted about on X and teased Amanjot Kaur about her dramatic catch in the final: “While catching, you must have seen the ball — but after the catch, you must have been seeing the trophy.”
‘Spread the Fit India message’
Before the meeting ended, Modi urged the team to take the Fit India message forward. “Encourage young girls to stay active. Visit schools, share your journey, and inspire them,” he said, highlighting the growing issue of obesity among youth.
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The Prime Minister also met Pratika Rawal, who attended in a wheelchair after missing the knockouts due to an ankle injury.
On social media, Modi had earlier hailed the win as “a spectacular performance marked by great skill and confidence… This historic victory will inspire future champions to take up sports.”
India’s World Cup champions, whose campaign began amid doubt and online criticism, ended their journey by not only reclaiming pride but also sharing laughter and life lessons with the country’s leader.
