An Indian great and an icon of women’s cricket, Jhulan Goswami, on the 24th of September, at the Lord’s cricket ground is set to bid farewell to the great game. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) when on the 19th of August named the squad for India’s ongoing series against England, Jhulan Goswami was back among the mix after missing out on the Sri Lanka series and to the disappointment of many, it soon was learnt that the series is a farewell one for the 39-year-old, strong going legend.
India after losing the 3-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series 1-2 to England, made a strong comeback during the 3-match One-Day International (ODI) series and with a game in hand have sealed the series 2-0. As India gear up to play their final game of the tour on the 24th (tomorrow) at Lord’s, Jhulan Goswami addressed the media.
On her interest in helping India’s fast bowling future said, “I haven’t thought about those things. At this moment I am focused on the tour. Tomorrow’s match is important, will think about what things I want to do later.”
On how she’s feeling ahead of her final international game said, “At this moment I am very normal. I am around a happy bunch of young cricketers.”
Whether or not she’s got any regrets post her glorious and illustrious career, Jhulan Goswami said, “About the two World Cup finals. It would have been great winning one of them, it would have helped the growth of women’s cricket in India. That’s the only regret.”
Jhulan when was asked about how she got to the decision to call it time to her career said, “Last two years, I was thinking each and every series as my last series. I had a lot of injuries, I was thinking I will end it in Sri Lanka. But I wasn’t fit, but since this is the last ODI series before T20 WC, I decided this is it.”
Jhulan Goswami on how the team has been treating her with goodies ahead of her final match said, “All the teammates have been making me special. Everyone have been doing different things. Be it Smriti or Harman. Rajeshwari has also done something for me.”
“I played 2 World Cup Finals. Not winning a World Cup is a regret in my career.”
Jhulan Goswami in Press Conference#CricketTwitter #ENGvIND
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) September 23, 2022
India has successfully created a strong pacers pool and on the same, Jhulan commented, “There is Renuka Thakur, Meghna Singh & also some in the shortlist. Their works are monitored. You won’t get fast bowlers overnight. There will be injuries, there are a lot of challenges. Physios & Trainers are most important for fast bowlers.”
Jhulan Goswami in her career of over 20 years has made India proud on many occasions and when was asked, what’s she very proud of, replied, “I think best moment is when we get out of the dressing room, wear India jersey & stand for national anthem. I dream about these things every day. I am going to miss things. This is how life is. You have to end things at some point.”
Eden Gardens being Jhulan Goswami’s home ground is and will remain close to her heart, but on not finishing at Eden and doing so at Lord’s said, “It’s Lord’s because we are not playing any ODI series at home. Unfortunately, this is the last ODI series we are playing before T20 World Cup. Lord’s is special for every cricketer. I am happy, no regrets.”
Jhulan Goswami at the start of her career didn’t expect it would last long as she said, “Never thought about playing such a long career. Getting my cap and bowling the first over of my India career is the most special moment, ” and on what a young 19-year-old Jhulan wanted to execute said, “19-year-old Jhulan on debut just wanted to bowl fast, take just one wicket, she was very raw, didn’t know whether she will play for long.”
The highly awaited cricketing tournament, The Woman’s Indian Premier League (W-IPL) is expected to get underway early next year and Jhulan on her participation in the tournament said, “At this moment I am just ending my international career. Haven’t decided yet about IPL, once there is an official confirmation about it for the upcoming season, will think about it.”
Jhulan Goswami on her retirement plans said, “Honestly haven’t thought that far, right now just want to focus on Lord’s & finish on a high. But whatever I do, I’ll need your (Snehal Pradhan) help, let’s chit chat later.”
Jhulan Goswami has served Indian cricket since 2002 and on her career ending in 2022 said, “I am fortunate enough to be able to serve the Indian team for 20 years, able to contribute a little bit from my side, whatever way I was able to with a lot of honesty and dedication.”
Jhulan Goswami hails from Bengal and the local cricketing administration in the place, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has organised a special screening for the final ODI game that’ll be played between India and England on the big screen. In partnership with Inox Forum in Kolkata, fans have been presented with an opportunity to celebrate the glorious career of Jhulan Goswami on the big screen from 2:30 PM onwards on the 24th of September (Saturday, tomorrow).
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