Jhulan Goswami is a legendary figure in women’s cricket and holds the record for the most wickets in international cricket across all formats (ODIs, T20Is, and Tests). With a career spanning more than two decades, her exceptional skills, determination, and leadership have made her one of the most celebrated fast bowlers in the history of women’s cricket. Here’s an in-depth look at her career and her incredible achievement of taking 332 wickets in 267 matches:
Birth: Jhulan Goswami was born on November 25, 1982, in Chakdaha, West Bengal, India.
Introduction to Cricket: Jhulan was introduced to cricket at a young age and was inspired by the success of women’s cricket in India. She was initially a part of her school’s football team but later chose cricket, where she excelled as a fast bowler.
National Debut: She made her ODI debut in 2002 against England. Her impressive bowling in the early years caught the attention of selectors, and she soon became a regular feature in the Indian women’s cricket team.
Jhulan Goswami’s international career began in 2002 and continued until 2022. She played across all formats, and her ability to bowl at high speeds and consistently pick wickets has made her a force to be reckoned with.
Debut: Jhulan’s ODI debut came in 2002 against England.
Wickets: Jhulan holds the record for the most wickets in women’s ODIs, with 255 wickets in 204 matches. She is the highest wicket-taker in the history of women’s One-Day Internationals.
She became the first woman cricketer to take 200 wickets in ODIs.
She reached the milestone of 250 wickets in ODIs in 2018.
Her record for most wickets in ODI cricket remains unmatched, and her ability to consistently take wickets has been crucial to India’s successes in global tournaments.
Debut: Jhulan made her Test debut in 2002 against England as well.
Wickets: She is also one of the top wicket-takers in women’s Test cricket, with 40 wickets in 10 Tests.
Notable Performance: She has been India’s most reliable bowler in the longest format of the game, and her bowling attack often spearheaded India’s efforts in Test matches.
Debut: Jhulan made her T20I debut in 2006 against England.
Wickets: She has taken 37 wickets in 68 T20Is and remains one of the leading bowlers in this format as well.
This record makes her the highest wicket-taker in women’s international cricket, a feat she has maintained for several years.
Bowling Speed: Known for her pace, Jhulan is one of the few women cricketers to bowl at speeds consistently over 120 km/h. Her pace and accuracy have made her a vital part of India’s bowling attack.
Skillset: Jhulan has the ability to bowl both inswingers and outswingers, making her highly versatile. Her well-paced deliveries, ability to swing the ball, and her mental toughness on the field are key factors that have led to her success.
Leadership: Jhulan was the captain of the Indian women’s cricket team for a period, and even when she wasn’t the captain, she was a key leader within the squad, often taking charge in crucial moments.
Most Wickets in Women’s ODIs: With 255 wickets, she holds the record for the most wickets in ODIs by any woman cricketer.
Longest Serving Player in Women’s Cricket: Jhulan has had one of the longest careers in women’s cricket, playing for more than 20 years.
First Woman Cricketer to Take 300 Wickets in International Cricket: She became the first woman to take 300 wickets in international cricket when she achieved this milestone in 2017.
ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year: Jhulan has received numerous accolades for her contributions to women’s cricket, including the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year award.
Padma Bhushan (2019): In recognition of her outstanding contribution to cricket, Jhulan was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in 2019. She was also awarded the Padma Shri in 2012 and the Arjuna Award in 2010.
Icon of Women’s Cricket: Jhulan Goswami is considered one of the greatest fast bowlers in women’s cricket history. Her incredible career has paved the way for future generations of fast bowlers and has made her a role model for aspiring cricketers.
Global Influence: Her impact extends beyond India, as she has inspired young women cricketers worldwide, especially those who aspire to bowl fast in women’s cricket.
Mentor and Motivator: Even as she approaches the twilight of her playing career, Jhulan continues to mentor the younger generation of cricketers, passing on her knowledge and experience to the Indian women’s team.
Retirement from ODIs: Jhulan retired from ODI cricket in 2022 after a remarkable career spanning more than 20 years. However, she remained a vital part of the Indian team and has continued to play in Tests and T20Is until her final international appearance.
Jhulan Goswami’s record of 332 wickets in 267 matches is a remarkable achievement that solidifies her legacy as one of the finest bowlers in the history of women’s cricket. Her contributions to the game, leadership, and relentless pursuit of excellence will always be remembered.
