Harmanpreet Kaur Reaches 150 ODIs To Etch Name In Elite Panel; Full List Inside

Soumyajit Dutta

Harmanpreet Kaur among legends [Source: @hari_madan/X.com]Harmanpreet Kaur among legends [Source: @hari_madan/X.com]

Indian cricket is on the cusp of a monumental celebration as its fearless leader, Harmanpreet Kaur, donned the national colours for the 150th time in One-Day Internationals. Over a career spanning 16 years, Kaur has transformed from a promising youngster into one of the most formidable match-winners in the global arena. 

Reaching 150 ODIs places Harmanpreet Kaur in an elite pantheon of Indian greats who have defined eras and built the foundation upon which the current team stands. As we celebrate Harmanpreet's incredible journey, we also pay tribute to the other icons who have carved their names into the history books with similar longevity and grandeur.

5. Amita Sharma (116 Matches)

In a team filled with stars, Amita Sharma was the invaluable engine room as a reliable and highly effective all-rounder whose contributions were crucial to the team's balance. 

Her impact was multifaceted. With her clever medium-pace bowling, she could break partnerships and contain the flow of runs, finishing with 87 wickets. With the bat, she was a gritty lower-order fighter who could chip in with vital runs.  

In 116 matches, she was the ultimate team player, consistently performing the tough, often thankless jobs that win games. Her ability to contribute in both departments made her an indispensable asset to the squad for over a decade.

4. Anjum Chopra (127 matches)

Before the era of widespread recognition, Anjum Chopra was the elegant left-handed pioneer who carried the baton of Indian women's cricket with utmost class and dignity. A mainstay at the top of the order for 17 years, her impact was defined by her technically flawless and graceful batting. 

In an era with far fewer matches and resources, her consistency was remarkable. She was one of the first Indian women cricketers to become a recognizable face, using her platform to advocate for the game and inspire young girls to pick up the bat. Her century and 2,856 runs were scored against some of the toughest attacks of her time, often on challenging pitches. Chopra’s legacy is not just in her runs but in the respect she commanded.

3. Harmanpreet Kaur (150 matches)

Harmanpreet Kaur represents the new face of Indian cricket. As she steps onto the field for her 150th ODI, she embodies a career built on explosive power and clutch performances. Her impact is seismic as she changed the perception of what was possible for an Indian batter with her iconic, match-winning 171* against Australia in the 2017 World Cup semifinal, an innings that revolutionized the sport's popularity in India. 

A destructive batter capable of dismantling any bowling attack, she also provides a handy bowling option with her off-breaks. Kaur's journey with her 4,069 ODI runs is one of breaking moulds, playing with audacious freedom, and inspiring her team to compete with a winning mentality.

2. Jhulan Goswami (204 matches)

If Mithali Raj was the spine of the batting, Jhulan Goswami was the fiery heart of the bowling attack. In a women sport where fast bowlers are rare, Goswami was a glorious exception, a tireless workhorse who could generate pace, swing, and bounce to dismantle the best of batting line-ups. 

Holding the record for the most wickets in women's ODIs (255), her career was a masterclass in pace bowling longevity and skill. Her best figures of 6/31 showcase her ability to single-handedly win matches. Beyond the stats, her presence was impactful because she brought aggression and a never-say-die attitude to the field. She led the attack with passion and pride for two decades.

1. Mithali Raj (232 matches)

Mithali Raj is the institution of Indian women's cricket. For over two decades, she was the bedrock of the batting lineup, a symbol of grace, and a monument of consistency. As the highest run-scorer in the history of women's ODIs, her impact is measured in the legacy she built. Her technically sound and mentally tough batting style provided stability in countless crises.

Records like her highest score of 125* and an astonishing average of 50 only tell half the story. Her true impact lies in how she carried the team on her shoulders, inspiring a nation and paving the way for future stars like Harmanpreet and Smriti Mandhana.