India, Nov. 5 -- For Ind ia's new World Champions, the journey from DY Patil Stadium's roar to the quiet, high-security lanes of 7 Lok Kalyan Marg was more than a change of setting. It was the state's highest office formally recognising a campaign that has shifted the center of gravity of Indian cricket towards its women.

Three after their 52-run win over South Africa in the Women's ODI World Cup final, Harmanpreet Kaur and her team walked into the Prime Minister's residence in New Delhi with the trophy in hand and medals around their necks. In the absence of an open-top parade, the meeting became the country's primary stage for honouring a long-awaited world title.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the World Cup-winning squad, the su...