Harleen Deol asks PM Modi about his skincare routine, leaves team in splits

India batter Harleen Deol had her teammates in fits of laughter when she asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi about his skincare routine during an official meeting between the Prime Minister and the World Cup–winning Indian women’s cricket team. What started as a formal discussion about India’s historic World Cup triumph quickly took a humorous turn, thanks to Harleen’s spontaneous question.

During the interaction, Prime Minister Modi praised Harleen for her cheerful nature and her ability to keep the atmosphere light, even under pressure. After responding to his remarks, Harleen decided to turn interviewer for a moment. When everyone expected her to ask a serious or cricket-related question, she caught the entire room off guard.

“Sir, your skin is always glowing. Can you please tell me what is your skincare routine?” Harleen asked with a smile.

Her unexpected question had everyone, including the Prime Minister, laughing. Modi, still amused, replied, “I do not think about all that.”

Someone from the team quickly added, “Sir, it’s the love of the millions of this country!” — prompting even more laughter.

Head coach Amol Muzumdar joined in the fun, jokingly telling the Prime Minister, “As you can see sir, these are the personalities I have to deal with. Which has now made my hair go white.”

'Don't Want Photo With King Charles'

Muzumdar also shared a light-hearted story from India’s earlier tour of England. He recalled that when the team was offered a chance to take photographs with King Charles, the protocol allowed only 20 people at a time in a single frame. This meant that the entire squad and support staff couldn’t pose together.

According to Muzumdar, the support staff then emphasised that they wouldn't mind missing a photo with the King — because they were saving that moment for when they would win the ODI World Cup and meet Prime Minister Modi instead.

India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana reflected that the team had approached the World Cup with a larger purpose — to spark a revolution in women’s sports across the country. Their eventual triumph, she said, wasn’t just about lifting a trophy but about changing perceptions and inspiring the next generation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who met the players after their historic win, shared that sentiment wholeheartedly.

The victory itself was a defining moment in Indian cricket. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side battled through setbacks and past heartbreaks to finally beat South Africa in the final, sealing India’s first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup title.

- Ends

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