Jemimah Rodrigues reveals Smriti Mandhana’s warning to Harmanpreet Kaur

India women’s skipper Harmanpreet Kaur lit up celebrations after the Women’s ODI World Cup triumph with a spontaneous bhangra while lifting the trophy, a clip that soon dominated social media. What many didn’t know was the amusing trigger behind the moment. Speaking on The Great Indian Kapil Show, Jemimah Rodrigues disclosed that the celebratory dance stemmed from a friendly challenge laid down by Smriti Mandhana just before the presentation ceremony.

Though Smriti did not feature on the episode, her presence was strongly felt as teammates recounted stories underlining her impact in the dressing room.

Jemimah said that Harmanpreet usually doesn’t take cues from the younger members of the squad, adding with a laugh, “Harry Di hardly ever listens to us.”

Harmanpreet, however, listens to Smriti, when the latter makes the call, reflecting their strong on-field chemistry.

In the fourth season of the show, Jemimah revealed that the bhangra was Smriti’s idea, while the players also shared insights into how the side marked their World Cup success.

When Kapil complimented Harmanpreet on her dance during the trophy presentation, the captain replied with a smile, saying that “Jemimah and Harleen were the ones who had arranged it”.