Diana Edulji is widely regarded as one of the pioneering figures in women’s cricket and one of India’s greatest female cricketers. She holds the record for the most wickets in a Test career among Indian women cricketers, having taken a total of 63 wickets over her career from 1976 to 1991.
Matches Played: Edulji played 14 Test matches for India between 1976 and 1991.
Wickets Taken: She took 63 wickets, making her the leading wicket-taker in Test cricket among Indian women.
Bowling Average: Her average was impressive, which highlights her consistency over the course of her career.
Best Bowling Figures: Edulji’s best performance in a Test match came with figures of 5/28, showcasing her ability to deliver match-winning performances.
Bowling: Edulji was known for her left-arm orthodox spin bowling. As a bowler, she was known for her control and ability to extract turn from the pitch, making her a key player in India’s bowling lineup.
Batting: While primarily known for her bowling, Edulji was also a useful lower-order batter and contributed significantly with the bat when required.
India’s Leading Wicket-Taker in Tests: Edulji’s record of 63 wickets stood as a monumental achievement for Indian women’s cricket at a time when the game was not as popular or well-supported as it is today.
Pioneering Women’s Cricket: As one of the first women to play for India, Edulji’s performance helped bring attention to women’s cricket in India and contributed to the foundation of future generations of cricketers.
Longevity and Consistency: Playing across several years, Edulji maintained a high level of performance, making her one of the most respected players in the history of women’s cricket.
First Test Match: Diana Edulji made her Test debut for India in 1976 during India’s tour of the West Indies.
Influence on Women’s Cricket: During her career, she was not only one of the leading players but also one of the most consistent performers, representing India in crucial series across the world.
Cricket Administration: After her playing days, Diana Edulji went on to serve in several administrative roles in cricket, particularly in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Mentorship: Edulji’s contributions to Indian women’s cricket extended beyond her playing career as she became a strong advocate for the development of the women’s game in India.
Recognition: She received the Padma Shri in 2002, one of India’s highest civilian awards, recognizing her contributions to Indian cricket.
Records and Records: Diana Edulji’s 63 wickets in Test cricket remained a record for many years, serving as a benchmark for future Indian women cricketers.
Role Model: Her success, work ethic, and longevity in the game made her a role model for young women cricketers in India.
Contribution to Indian Women’s Cricket: She is widely considered one of the foundational figures in the growth of women’s cricket in India, and her career helped lay the groundwork for future stars like Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, and Harmanpreet Kaur.
Diana Edulji’s record of 63 wickets in Test cricket is not just a personal achievement but a significant milestone in the history of Indian women’s cricket. Her contributions to the game as a bowler, leader, and administrator have made her one of the most influential figures in the development of the sport in India. Her career and legacy continue to inspire many aspiring women cricketers in the country.
