Jhulan Goswami, a legendary figure in women’s cricket, has not only been a key player for India but has also left a lasting impact on the global stage. Known for her powerful bowling and leadership, she has paved the way for many young cricketers. With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup fast approaching, the cricketing world turns to her for insights, given her extensive experience and sharp cricketing mind.
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After retiring in 2022 following a distinguished career of over 20 years, Goswami remains familiar with the ups and downs of international cricket. One of her most memorable moments was in the 2017 World Cup final at Lord’s, where she claimed three critical wickets for India. Although India narrowly missed winning the title, the match was a turning point, marking Indian women’s cricket’s rise on the global scene. Having experienced the heartbreak of a World Cup defeat herself, her opinions on the upcoming tournament are highly valued.
Goswami is optimistic about India’s chances in this year’s World Cup, noting, “I’m hopeful. This team has been playing and preparing together for a long time. The results from the home series have been strong, and the players have valuable experience. Our spin attack is solid, and we have a good mix of all-rounders and finishers, which raises expectations. I trust they will meet those expectations.”
When asked about standout players for the tournament, Goswami stresses the importance of team effort rather than focusing on individuals, “I don’t want to put extra pressure on anyone. It’s going to be a pressure-filled tournament, but I believe the Indian team will perform well as a collective unit.”
There’s often talk that the Indian team struggles during knockout stages, but Goswami dismisses any notion of a mental block, she stated, “I don’t believe that. We need to understand how difficult it is to reach the top four of any ICC event. That’s always the main goal for any team. After that, anything can happen on the day. Mental strength and emotional control become crucial. Let’s focus on reaching the top four first, then handle things step by step.”
Regarding Australia’s dominance in women’s cricket, Goswami believes India can overcome them, “India is capable of beating Australia when we play at our best. We have the talent, skill, and balance to do it. Australia is not an unbeatable side.”
Despite concerns about India’s fast-bowling department, Goswami has faith in the current set of bowlers, sharing, “Not really. Pooja Vastrakar and Renuka Thakur have been playing for a couple of years, and Arundhati Reddy, who’s back in the team, has World Cup experience. Considering the venue (UAE), spinners are also vital. Deepti Sharma is in top form, and Radha Yadav has plenty of experience. The team’s overall balance is what counts.”
As India prepares to face New Zealand on October 4, the team carries not only the hopes of a nation but also the legacy of trailblazers like Goswami. While the road ahead is tough, her belief in the team makes the possibility of an Indian victory seem more promising than ever.
(Quotes sourced from The Hindustan Times)