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Jhulan Goswami: The chakdaha express who changed women’s cricket in India

Shreyasi

Jhulan Goswami [Source: X/@JhulanG10]Jhulan Goswami [Source: X/@JhulanG10]

Jhulan Goswami's name is etched in the history of women's cricket for her legendary achievements and unforgettable performances. Hailing from a middle-class Bengali family in Chakdaha, West Bengal, Jhulan emerged as a pivotal figure who inspired many to appreciate and support women’s cricket in India.

It was Belinda Clarke’s double century at Eden Gardens in 1997 that inspired Jhulan to pursue cricket seriously. Her first Coach, Swapan Sadhu, was an instrumental force in turning her dreams into reality. Thanks to the coach, Jhulan was convinced to focus on her bowling more rather than batting, and the remarkable trajectory of her career stands as a testament to this decision.

Two decades of domination: A career that inspires generations

Jhulan Goswami [Source: X/@Cric_records45]Jhulan Goswami [Source: X/@Cric_records45]

Like her idol, Cathryn Fitzpatrick from Australia, Jhulan became the fastest bowler in the world during her peak. Most fittingly, she became the leading wicket taker in women's ODIs with her 181st wicket by surpassing Fitzpatrick. Jhulan went on to become the first woman cricketer ever to claim 200 wickets in ODIs.

Jhulan amassed more than 1922 runs and took 355 wickets across all formats in 284 games for India. She holds the record for the most wickets in Women’s ODIs with 255 scalps after leading India’s bowling attack for 20 years.

She played only 12 Test matches and made her mark in red-ball cricket too. One of Jhulan’s most memorable contributions came during India’s tour of Ireland and England in 2006, where India secured their first Test series win in England.

In the first Test at Leicester, she led the bowling attack by taking 5 wickets across two innings and contributed a resilient 69 runs to help India surpass England’s first innings total.

Jhulan did even better in the second Test at Taunton. After India’s first innings was over for 307, she came all guns blazing, and with a magnificent bowling performance, she ended with 5 for 33.

Despite England’s comeback in the second innings, Jhulan picked up another 5 wickets to finish the game with 10 for 78. With a target of 98 to chase down, India won the Test and series convincingly.

Beyond the wickets: The mentor, icon, and game-changer

After India women won the ICC World Cup 2025 [Source: X/@ImTanujSingh]After India women won the ICC World Cup 2025 [Source: X/@ImTanujSingh]

Serving the nation for 20 years, Jhulan contributed to a period of significant transition that changed the face of women’s cricket in India and the world. She witnessed the change, experienced the journey, and laid the foundation for many young women in the country.

Jhulan Goswami would commute two hours each way, three times a week, to Kolkata for her practice sessions. Her journey as a cricketer began out of her love for the sport. But it was her enduring dedication and passion that kept her committed to the game against all the odds.

She continued to be in touch with the game even after her retirement. She joined the Mumbai Indians Women in the Women’s Premier League as their mentor and bowling coach, and the side went on to win the inaugural edition of the league in 2023.

Jhulan Goswami participated in two ODI World Cup finals, in 2005 and 2017. The 2005 final against Australia was at the same venue where Sourav Ganguly’s team had played the 2003 World Cup final against the same opposition. While the loss in 2003 still breaks the heart of millennials, they hardly have any memory of the women’s team from the 2005 ODI final.

However, things changed, and the increased support highlighted the growing recognition and popularity of the women’s game in India. Jhulan Goswami missed winning the World Cup, but her contributions helped the game grow.

Fittingly, after winning the ODI World Cup 2025, the Indian women’s cricket team handed over the trophy to their beloved Jhulu di. It was a heartfelt gesture that reminded the world of the impact and legacy of Jhulan Goswami on women’s cricket in India.