When Jhulan Goswami played cricket with boys at home three decades ago, the prospect of an Indian pace bowler being the World Cup's highest wicket taker was as far-fetched as her having a peerless international career.
Jhulan Goswami of India (AP)
The story of her taking the early morning local train from Chakdaha almost 72km from Kolkata, because she wanted to bowl fast is well known now as Goswami is a role model for aspiring fast bowlers the world over. Misogyny, patriarchy, she has triumphed and batters world over she has conquered in career that has spanned five World Cups and two decades. A career in which she has broken all manner of world records. A career that will now be made into a film, Chakdaha Express, Goswami's role being reprised by Anuskha Sharma.
To the list of most ODI wickets in the women's game (249 in 198 games), Goswami added another on Saturday when she dismissed West Indies' Anisa Mohammed in Hamilton. in her 31st World Cup game, Goswami got the most wickets, 40, in a women's World Cup, going past Australia's Lynn Fullston.
“Her fan base is very strong across the world. I have travelled with her to a lot of countries for tournaments. Fast bowlers in particular reach out to her to take inputs," said former India pacer Amita Sharma who has played 118 ODIs and taken 87 wickets.
"Also, the fact that she is very humble and easy to reach out makes her popular. She never hesitates to take inputs from others. In India, girls took to fast bowling seeing Jhulu bowl for India.”
That is something that still gets Goswami excited. " I am so happy to see a new crop of fast bowlers coming up in India. It was not the case before. Meghna (Singh), Renuka (Singh) and Pooja (Vastrakar) are exciting bowlers. If I can pass on some inputs, I will be very happy,'' she said before the World Cup.
In India's opening match, Goswami bowled a brilliant spell, returning figures of 2/26, in the win over Pakistan. Goswami, 39, equalled the tally of most wickets in the World Cup in India's second match against New Zealand.
That she has stayed largely injury-free is a testament to her focus and fitness. It didn't waver as the world grappled with Covid-19. Whenever restrictions eased, Goswami would drive her SUV from her flat in Dum Dum in north Kolkata to the Jadavpur University's campus in Salt Lake and train alone. On days she wasn't there, Goswami would be at the gymnasium at Eden Gardens. It showed as she pounded in, ball after ball at the World Cup.
"Jhulu’s action is perfect. Due to her high-arm action, she has been able to keep injuries at bay," said Sharma, who, along with Goswami, was part of the 2005 and 2017 India teams that reached the final in those editions. Along with India captain Mithali Raj, Goswami has played the maximum 12 Tests for India in which she has 44 dismissals.
Known to wear her heart on the sleeve, Goswami is a bowling star who is also capable of delivering a few lusty blows with the bat.
A go-to person for Raj, who is playing her sixth World Cup, Goswami is keen on adding another first in New Zealand --- a World Cup title.
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