Former India cricketer and bowling legend Jhulan Goswami expressed her grief at the passing of her childhood coach, Swapan Sadhu, who played a pivotal role in shaping her career. The renowned coach, who trained numerous cricketers at Vivekananda Park in Kolkata, passed away on Monday, January 6, at the age of 77. Goswami, widely regarded as one of the finest fast bowlers in women’s cricket, shared an emotional note in memory of her mentor.
A Mentor Beyond the Game
Taking to Instagram, Jhulan Goswami shared a heartfelt message accompanied by a picture of her with her late coach. Reflecting on the invaluable role Sadhu played in her life, she wrote:
“Today, I lost not just a coach but a mentor and a guide. Swapan Sadhu sir, you shaped me both as a cricketer and as a person. Your lessons will forever echo in my heart. Rest in peace, and thank you for everything. You will always be remembered. Om Shanti.”
The Early Days of a Star
Swapan Sadhu’s impact on Goswami’s formative years cannot be overstated. The Chakdaha-born cricketer would commute approximately 67 kilometers to Kolkata to train under his guidance. His mentorship and unwavering support laid the foundation for her illustrious career. Goswami’s dedication to the sport, combined with Sadhu’s expertise, set her on the path to becoming a global cricketing icon.
The Dream That Started at Eden Gardens
The spark that ignited Jhulan Goswami’s cricketing journey was her experience as a ball girl during the 1997 ICC Women’s World Cup final at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Recalling the moment in a BCCI video shared before her farewell match in 2022, she stated:
“In 1997, I saw the women’s World Cup final at the Eden Gardens between Australia and New Zealand as a ball girl. That day, I dreamt of representing my country one day. That is how I started. I put a lot of effort just to represent my country, and that is the biggest moment of my life so far.”
A Career of Legendary Proportions
Jhulan Goswami’s two-decade-long career is a testament to her resilience, skill, and passion for the game. Making her international debut in 2002, she represented India in 12 Tests, 204 ODIs, and 68 T20Is, amassing 355 wickets across all formats. She remains the leading wicket-taker in women’s ODIs, with 255 wickets in 203 innings. Her Test record includes 44 wickets, highlighted by a remarkable 10-for-78 performance, making her the youngest player to achieve such a feat at the age of 23.
Her T20I journey was equally commendable, with 56 scalps in 68 matches. Goswami’s final international outing came on September 24, 2022, against England. In her last ODI appearance, she delivered a stellar performance, registering figures of 10-3-30-2, a fitting conclusion to her illustrious career.
Honored by the Cricketing Fraternity
Post-retirement, Goswami’s contributions to Indian cricket have continued to be celebrated. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) recently announced that a stand at the iconic Eden Gardens would be renamed in her honor. The Block B gallery will now bear her name, and the inauguration is scheduled for January 22, 2025, during the India men’s T20I against England. This gesture cements her legacy at the venue where her dream first took flight.
A Tribute to the Foundation of Greatness
Reflecting on her journey, Goswami has often acknowledged the individuals who supported her along the way. Swapan Sadhu was one such cornerstone of her success. His untimely demise is a significant loss to the cricketing community. As Goswami poignantly wrote, his lessons will forever resonate in her heart and the hearts of those he mentored.
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