'Good batting, girl': How a yellow suit foretold Harmanpreet Kaur’s historic journey

When Harmandar Bhullar and his wife Satwinder welcomed their first child in Dunneke village near Moga, they chose to celebrate her arrival in a way that turned heads. On their way home from the hospital, instead of buying pink baby clothes, the couple picked out a bright yellow toddler’s suit with the words “Good Batting” stitched across the front.

“We wanted to show everyone that daughters are no less than sons,” recalls Harmandar. “That’s why we dressed her in that suit right after she was born. We then took her to the gurdwara sahib to offer prayers. Maybe it was destiny written on that little outfit.”

More than thirty years later, that small yellow suit—lovingly preserved by Satwinder—has become a symbol of destiny fulfilled. On the day India lifted the Women’s World Cup after defeating South Africa by 52 runs at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium, the slogan on that outfit felt prophetic. Their daughter, Harmanpreet Kaur, now 36, had led India to a historic victory and marked the beginning of a new chapter in women’s cricket.

This Gurpurab, the Bhullars’ visit to their village gurdwara was deeply emotional. Satwinder carried the yellow suit with her, a tangible reminder of faith and fulfilment.

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Back in Dunneke, the celebrations haven’t stopped. Relatives, neighbours, and local leaders continue to visit, sharing in the family’s pride. Parked outside their home is Harmanpreet’s first car, a humble Alto, while the walls inside display photographs of her with icons like Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, and Amitabh Bachchan.

As a child, Harmanpreet was captivated by Sehwag’s fearless batting. “She adored Virender Sehwag,” says Satwinder. “She collected his posters and trading cards and tried to copy his batting style. She also admired Kapil Dev and Sachin Tendulkar—especially their World Cup triumphs. Watching Sachin applaud her team in the final was truly emotional.”

The Bhullars were in the stands that unforgettable night at DY Patil Stadium, watching their daughter take a crucial catch and celebrate with her teammates. The image of Harmanpreet running into her father’s arms after the final whistle captured years of hard work, heartbreak, and joy. Harmandar’s phone is now full of photos from that night—a gallery of pride and tears.

Satwinder recalls that Harmanpreet showed leadership even as a child. “She used to play cricket with the boys on our street using a plastic bat or even a washing stick. But what stood out was how she organized the other kids—she’d make them line up and act like an inspector. Even in new places, she made friends quickly and naturally took charge.”

Now, the Bhullars dream even bigger. Moga has already produced legends like triple Olympic gold medallist and hockey captain Balbir Singh Sr., and Harmandar believes his daughter can extend that legacy. “Her Commonwealth Games silver in 2022 is close to her heart. Now she wants to bring home an Olympic gold for India,” he says proudly.

Their message to parents across the country is simple but powerful: “Give your daughters freedom and support. Let them play, let them dream—there’s no limit to what they can achieve.”

For the Bhullars, that little yellow suit remains more than a piece of clothing—it’s a symbol of belief and destiny. Long before Harmanpreet Kaur lifted the World Cup trophy, her parents had already declared it to the world: Good batting, girl.