Good Bye Jhulan Goswami: On Saturday, Jhulan Goswami, who is known for her “fast bowling” in women’s cricket, played her final ODI at Lord’s. Playing her final series as Indan ian cricketer, Jhulan ended her career on a high note with a series win in England.
She is a living legend who has accomplished things that most people could never even imagine. Goswami rose from a small Bengali village to the top level of cricket while overcoming numerous economic and cultural obstacles. Above all, the 39-year-old Indian legend is distinguished by the impact she had on cricket not just in India but also around the world.
She is the leading wicket-taker in the 50-over format. She was formerly one of the quickest; reaching speeds of 120km/hr while being from India. In a country famed for spinners and spin-friendly surfaces, her presence was remarkable. Goswami has spent decades pulling pace from unfavorable courses. She flourished because of her relentless constancy of duration and persistent devotion.
Early Life of The Legend
It all started in Chakdaha, a tiny village in West Bengal. With the biopic-worthy origin tale of being a genius. She did not have supporting parents, battled barriers to access facilities, and went above and beyond to guarantee she had a fundamental education.
Growing up in a football-crazed family, Goswami played cricket with friends and relatives like any other youngster, occasionally smashing a window. She cranked up the speed at this street cricket program simply to be able to play with the youngsters who felt her bowling was slow.
When she witnessed Australia vs. New Zealand final as a ball girl in 1997, her enthusiasm developed and her career ambition was determined. She made her India debut as a 19-year-old in 2002.
But before she could join the Indian squad, she had to go over the 80-kilometer travel to Kolkata and her family’s reservations. We can only imagine how the atmosphere would have been at her home. A young adolescent traveling alone by rail to Kolkata and then by bus to practice, which began at 7.30 a.m., naturally worried her family. The fact that women’s cricket was so far down the pecking order that it was not even a realistic professional option did not help.
Coach Swapan Sadhu, her early guru who molded her into the seamer she is based on her high-arm motion, interfered at one point and forced her to stop practicing. He showed up at her house, chatted to her family, and then there was no turning back.
Cricket Journey
Goswami was called up to the Bengal women’s cricket squad shortly after finishing her training in Kolkata. She made her international debut, at 19, against England in an ODI match in Chennai in 2002. Her Test debut was against England on January 14, 2002, at Lucknow.
In the 2006-07 season, Goswami and Mithali Raj led the Indian Women’s Cricket team to their first Test series victory in England. During the same season, Goswami contributed to India’s first victory over England. She scored fifty as a night watchman in the first Test at Leicester. She recorded her career-best match statistics of 10 for 78-5 for 33 and 5 for 45 – in the second test at Taunton. Jhulan represented Asia in the Afro-Asian tournament in India in 2007. She was also named ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year. (at a time when no Indian male cricketer received an individual prize)
Achievements
Later, in 2008, she succeeded Mithali Raj as captain, a position she maintained until 2011. At the Asia Cup in 2008, she became the fourth woman to reach 100 wickets in ODIs. She captained India in 25 One-Day Internationals. In 2010, she received the Arjun Award. In 2012, she became the second Indian woman cricketer to get the Padma Shri, following Diana Edulji.
Jhulan has 40 Test wickets from ten matches, 271 international wickets in 223 games and 1593 runs with three 50-run innings. She surpassed the record of 180 wickets held by Australian Cathryn Fitzpatrick in WODIs. She accomplished this achievement while competing in the Women’s Quadrangular Series in South Africa.
In 2018, she became the first and only woman to capture 200 wickets in 50-over cricket, and she finally took her 300th international wicket.
Salute to Goswami – Good Bye Jhulan Goswami
Goswami’s illustrious career has already lasted 20 years at the age of 39. She has won the ICC Women’s Cricketer award, led the Indian team, and is a two-time World Cup finalist. Even now, her dedication is unrivaled, as seen by her fitness level at 39. At an age when fast bowlers normally do not stay at the country’s spearhead. Goswami continues to inspire.
As she played her last match versus England in the historic series, Jhulan finishes her illustrious and illuminating career on a high. She is not just an inspiration for cricketers but for all humankind. Her dedication to achieving the impossible will always be cherished and relished in history books.
What she has given to Indian and world Cricket is unparalleled and we hope and wish that her career only inspires more young women to opt for the sport. And just like her, they strive to do the best of their abilities, putting forward unbelievable performances. Even though she hangs her boots from playing for India but we look forward to seeing her in a coaching position in Indian Camp soon. We wish the legend a very happy and relaxing after retirement life.
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