From being a ball girl at the 1997 World Cup to becoming the highest wicket-taker in Women's World Cup history in 2022, it has been a legendary journey for Jhulan Goswami.
The 40-year-old pace bowling legend from Chakdaha, West Bengal made her debut in international cricket in January 2002. Fondly known as 'Chakdaha Express', Goswami bid adieu to international cricket in September this year with over 350 wickets, a feat no bowler has achieved so far.
She was the youngest woman cricketer to claim 10 wickets in a Test match. At the age of 39 years and 303 days, Goswami became the oldest player to don the India jersey in women’s international cricket. Goswami played her last international game at the Lord’s, and she went out on a high note by helping India defeat England in an ODI series. Announcing her retirement on social media she wrote, “To my cricket family and beyond. So, the day has finally arrived! Like every journey has an end, my cricket journey of over 20 years ends today as I announce my retirement from all forms of cricket. As Ernest Hemingway said, ‘it’s good to have an end to journey towards, but it is the journey that matters in the end’. For me, this journey has been the most satisfying. It has been exhilarating, thrilling to say the least, adventurous. I have had the honour of donning the India jersey for over two decades and serving my country at the best of my abilities. There is a sense of pride every time I hear the National Anthem before a match.”
She became the first player from India to take the ICC Women's Player of the Year award in 2007. Three years later, she was honoured with the prestigious Arjuna Award. In 2012, Jhulan received the Padma Shri award.