In a remarkable turn of events that transcends sport, India’s young pace sensation Kranti Gaud not only played a pivotal role in her country’s first ever ICC Women’s ODI World Cup triumph but also helped restore her family’s honour after more than a decade of hardship. Gaud’s outstanding performances in the World Cup, and the broader narrative of resilience behind them culminated in a deeply emotional moment, the reinstatement of her father, Munna Singh, into the Madhya Pradesh Police after being suspended nearly 13 years ago.
Born and raised in Ghuwara village of Madhya Pradesh, the 22-year-old fast bowler emerged as one of India’s most consistent performers in the 2025 Women’s World Cup. Gaud finished the tournament with 9 wickets in 8 matches, showcasing her ability to make crucial breakthroughs at key moments. In India’s dominant 88-run win over Pakistan in Colombo, Gaud was named Player of the Match, delivering a stunning spell of 3 for 20 in her full complement of ten overs, including three maidens that helped dismantle Pakistan’s batting line-up.
The significance of Gaud’s rise extends far beyond the cricket field. For over a decade, her father, Munna Singh, had lived with the uncertainty and stigma of suspension from the state police after an alleged negligence incident during election duty in 2012. The family endured financial and emotional hardship throughout those years, during which basic necessities were often difficult to secure.
Gaud’s World Cup heroics, and the resulting public recognition, brought her family’s struggles into the spotlight. At a high-profile felicitation ceremony in Bhopal following India’s historic triumph, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav pledged to review her father’s case and take appropriate action. True to that commitment, the state police headquarters issued a reinstatement order on January 5, 2026, officially restoring Munna Singh to service.
Officials emphasised that this administrative action was taken in accordance with service rules and directly followed the Chief Minister’s directive. Sports Minister Vishwas Sarang described the move as a demonstration of the government’s “sensitivity, respect for athletes, and fair approach,” highlighting how fulfilling the promise was seen not just as a personal victory for the Gaud family but also as a message of support for sportspersons who bring glory to their state and nation.
Though the reinstatement was reportedly granted on a “no work, no pay” basis, meaning Singhs won’t receive arrears for the years he was suspended, the symbolic and emotional value of the decision is enormous. For Gaud, seeing her father once again don a police uniform and approach a dignified retirement has been a deeply personal and fulfilling milestone, one she openly expressed during interviews and interactions with the media.
The wider significance of this development reverberates beyond one family. It underscores how exceptional sporting success can sometimes influence administrative systems and deliver overdue justice, while also highlighting the broader struggles that athletes from underprivileged backgrounds often face. Kranti Gaud’s journey from a small Bundelkhand village to the pinnacle of international sport and subsequently helping secure her family’s future.
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