Up-and-coming talent Kranti Goud had a quiet start to her Women’s Premier League (WPL) campaign but delivered a statement performance in a rematch against Delhi Capitals, showcasing her ability to rise to the occasion.
Goud’s debut against Gujarat Giants saw her return figures of 0/15 in two overs, followed by a challenging outing of 0/22 against the Capitals in their first clash. However, she turned the tables in the rematch, picking up her maiden WPL wicket by dismissing the in-form Meg Lanning, who had scored a brilliant 69 off 49 balls in her last game, against UP Warriorz.
Building on that momentum, Goud struck again just nine balls later, removing Shafali Verma for 24 off 30, keeping her side in contention. Her final spell was nothing short of extraordinary as she dismissed Jess Jonassen for 5 with a sharp caught-and-bowled effort and then, just three balls later, sent the well-set Jemimah Rodrigues back to the pavilion for 56 off 35, swinging the game completely in her team’s favor.
The dismissal of Rodrigues carried extra significance, as she had encouraged Goud to perform better during their previous meeting. Goud responded in style, finishing with stellar figures of 4/25 in her four overs, a massive improvement from her earlier struggles. Her performance underlined her potential and proved why she is one of the most exciting emerging talents in the WPL.
Hailing from Ghuwara, a small town in Madhya Pradesh, Goud’s journey in cricket began unexpectedly at age 14 when she stepped in for a leather-ball cricket match. Having grown up playing tennis-ball cricket with boys despite societal disapproval, she impressed with her fearless batting and all-round skills, earning Player-of-the-Match honors in her first game. Supported by her family, especially her eldest brother, she pursued her passion, undeterred by financial and cultural challenges.
Mentored by coach Rajiv Bilthre at the Sai Cricket Academy, Goud refined her skills and became a powerful all-rounder. She led Sagar Division to the finals of the Under-16 inter-district tournament and starred in state-level competitions, including the Senior Women’s One Day Trophy, where her all-round performances were pivotal. Known for her pace and aggressive batting, she developed into a player capable of changing games.
Her hard work and dedication culminated in her selection by UP Warriorz for WPL 2025, a year after being a net bowler for Mumbai Indians. Goud’s inspiring rise from village cricket to the WPL, where her maiden wicket is that of Meg Lanning, has not only showcased her talent but also encouraged countless young girls in rural India to dream big and pursue cricket with determination.
Earlier in the game, Chinelle Henry’s record fifty helped the Warriorz recover from 89/6 to post a competitive 177/9. Goud then led the bowling attack as the Warriorz secured their first win of the season after back-to-back defeats.
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