Mithali Raj pays rich tribute to Jhulan Goswami 

Jhulan Goswami. (PC- Twitter)

Indian women's cricket stalwart Jhulan Goswami will hang up her boots after an illustrious 20-year career. After making her international debut way back in 2002, she went on to become one of the biggest players in women’s cricket.

The Indian fast bowler will walk away from the international arena after serving the Indian women's team for over a decade and as a leading wicket-taker in women's international cricket, with over 350 wickets across all these formats of the game.

Former Indian women's team captain and India's finest batters Mithali Raj, who also called time on her superb career in July, welcomed her closest friend and fast-bowling legend Jhulan into the former cricketers' club on Saturday.

Talking to PTI about Jhulan's retirement, longevity, and uncompromising hard work over the years, Mithali spoke about the tall fast bowler's early days when she made her way into the national side at the young age of 19-year-old.

"We are of the same age, so we have that comfort level and communication. It was always very easy to reach out to her and speak to her. Someone who was always high on energy on the ground, may be because she is a fast bowler," said Mithali Raj while speaking to PTI.

Having spent so many years with Jhulan in the team, Mithali had to face the Bengal-born bowler in the nets. Recalling the time of the battle between her and Jhulan, Mithali said that the right arm pacer used to spit fire in the nets.

"In the nets, I would often ask her 'why are you spitting fire, you are my teammate only na'. Then she would say 'to get out is the toughest'. She always had the competitive streak including domestic cricket where we played against each other often. I enjoyed that rivalry as well," 

Mithali, the longest serving Indian women's captain said that she used to involve Jhulan in the decision making of the team.

"Having her in the team helped because she was also that person who would speak to everybody and communicate. Whenever I needed an opinion she would always give one," added Mithali.

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