Post by : Saif Rahman

Vogue India has spotlighted four of India’s cricket stars, commemorating a pivotal chapter in the nation's sports history. Harmanpreet Kaur, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, and Pratika Rawal grace the latest magazine cover just weeks following their World Cup triumph. The publication unveiled the cover on Instagram, dubbing the photoshoot a nod to a team that has altered the landscape of Indian cricket, signaling a fresh era for women in sports.

On set, the atmosphere buzzed with joy and enthusiasm. The four athletes projected the same confidence they display on the pitch while donning striking designer ensembles curated by Divya Balakrishnan and captured by photographer Jacky Nayak. This photoshoot aimed to seamlessly blend sport and fashion, empowering yet natural, showcasing the athletes in a new light while honoring their formidable personalities.

Fans flooded social media channels with praise for the photoshoot. Many noted that the players “look incredible,” with several expressing that Vogue India should have featured women cricketers sooner. Comments hovered around this moment being a long-awaited recognition for women in cricket, with descriptors such as “strong,” “iconic,” and “well-deserved spotlight,” addressing the overdue admiration for women in professional athletics.

The outfits selected for each player reflected their unique fashion sense. Shafali Verma sported an Ito sweatshirt and La Frangia shorts by Rosani, complemented by Viti Mittal rings and leopard-print sneakers from Jeetinder Sandhu. Harmanpreet Kaur dazzled in a vibrant neon green draped gown by Gaurav Gupta, accessorized with Noya link earrings, an E3k spiral ring, and embellished shoes from Jimmy Choo. Deepti Sharma donned a tailored Neo blazer and trousers from Line Outline, highlighted with silver spiral ear cuffs by Alasa. Pratika Rawal chose a panelled midi dress featuring floral embroidery by Gauri and Nainika, teamed with a Rejuvenate Jewels ring and Bottega Veneta sandals.

In their Vogue feature, the cricketers candidly shared insights into their whirlwind of celebrations and newfound media attention following the victory. They spoke of stepping into arenas previously inaccessible to former generations of women players. Fashion shoots, magazine covers, and mainstream accolades were once rare sights for female cricketers, making this moment a significant cultural milestone. The shoot encapsulated this transition, merging their athletic accomplishments with a newfound visibility and flair.

Vogue India further shared additional visuals from the shoot across its social media platforms, shining a light on the designers, the styling team, and the athletes. The posts revealed how the stars carried their off-field charisma with poise and sophistication. The magazine’s production team meticulously documented the shoot, treating the cricketers with high regard and professionalism typically reserved for major fashion figures.

This feature transcends a mere photoshoot, heralding a transformative era for women’s cricket in India where athletes who’ve long labored without commensurate recognition are now celebrated as cultural icons. Gaining traction with brands, media, and fans alike, Indian women cricketers are making strides into realms traditionally dominated by their male counterparts. Vogue India’s cover symbolizes this change, affirming that talent, accomplishments, and confidence rightfully deserve the spotlight, irrespective of who embodies them.

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