Iconic! Harmanpreet Recreates Dhoni's World Cup Pose at Gateway of India

In a moment that sent cricket enthusiasts into a frenzy, India women’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur stood triumphantly before Mumbai’s Gateway of India on Monday, hoisting the Women’s World Cup trophy in a pose strikingly reminiscent of MS Dhoni’s iconic 2011 celebration. The International Cricket Council captured the historic parallel in photographs shared on X, with Harmanpreet gazing skyward alongside the gleaming silverware—mirroring Dhoni’s legendary image after India’s men’s team ended a 28-year World Cup drought. This symbolic gesture crowned India’s monumental 52-run victory over South Africa in the final at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium, marking the nation’s first-ever Women’s World Cup title and ending a prolonged ICC trophy famine.

The electrifying final saw India post a commanding 298/7, powered by Shafali Verma’s blistering 87 off 78 balls and Deepti Sharma’s steady 58. South Africa, led by captain Laura Wolvaardt’s valiant 101, fought hard but crumbled to 246 all out in 45.3 overs under relentless Indian bowling and fielding pressure. Harmanpreet’s leadership echoed Dhoni’s 2011 masterclass, where India overcame a sole defeat to South Africa en route to the title, culminating in Dhoni’s match-winning 91 not out against Sri Lanka. Fourteen years later, Harmanpreet orchestrated a similar triumph, proving that history, when scripted with resilience, repeats in the most poetic fashion.

Following the victory, an emotional Harmanpreet paid heartfelt tribute to pioneering figures Jhulan Goswami and Anjum Chopra, crediting them as pillars of her 16-year international journey. “Jhulan Di was my biggest support when I was raw and clueless,” she revealed, recalling her rapid rise from playing with boys in Punjab to representing India within a year. Chopra, too, mentored the young Harmanpreet, instilling leadership values she now imparts to her squad. Sharing the dais with both legends post-victory, Harmanpreet described the moment as deeply emotional—a long-awaited coronation for Indian women’s cricket.

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The triumph has ignited nationwide celebrations, with fans drawing parallels between Dhoni’s calm demeanor and Harmanpreet’s composed authority under pressure. Social media erupted with side-by-side images of the two captains, hailing a new era where women’s cricket commands equal reverence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and cricketing icons flooded timelines with congratulations, while young girls across India found a new idol in Harmanpreet—proof that dreams, like trophies, are meant to be lifted.

As the team prepares for a victory parade, Harmanpreet’s Gateway pose has transcended sport, becoming a symbol of gender parity in Indian cricket. From Dhoni’s Wankhede roar to Harmanpreet’s Mumbai salute, the World Cup has returned home—twice, in spirit and in silver. The message is clear: India’s women have not just won a tournament; they have claimed their rightful place in cricketing immortality.

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