Cricket has a reputation of not being just a sport in India but the stature of being a whole religion. What started with a revolution from Kapil Dev when India lifted the world cup the the fanatism of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and MS Dhoni’s reign, the sport has only transcended in popularity.
But since we are on the topic of men inspiring many, what have women done? Even though they have done plenty, not many know the inspiration they have brought upon in the country.
For a fact, the resources offered to women cricketers have not been as adequate despite being a lot, which has positively been changing especially with the coming of WPL.
Safe to say, just like men, there are many women cricketers who have shaped their life in a way that has helped inspire many more women in the country to go out and get a name for themselves.
Look over the women who are one of the reasons other women in India carry a dream to fly:
Harmanpreet Kaur
Hailing from the quaint town of Moga, she has grown into a cricket sensation. Born into a humble family, Harmanpreet fought against financial constraints to pursue her cricketing dreams, with her parents, Harmander Singh Bhullar and Satvinder Singh Bhullar, supporting her to the best of their abilities.
Harmanpreet’s tenacity caught the eye of ex-cricketer Diana Edulji, leading to a job with Indian Railways which provided financial stability. Destiny played its part when Kamaldeesh Singh Sodhi, a Moga school owner and father to Yadwinder, spotted Harmanpreet’s remarkable talent. Sodhi not only offered financial aid but also convinced her parents to let her follow her passion.
In 2005, Harmanpreet began her journey at Gyan Jyoti Public School, enrolling in 10th grade. The school waived her fees and provided cricket equipment, thanks to the Sodhis’ generosity. Over four years, Harmanpreet’s impressive batting skills captivated the nation, culminating in her joining the Indian national team in 2009.
The BCCI acknowledged Harmanpreet’s extraordinary achievements in 2017, nominating her for the esteemed Arjuna Award, alongside Cheteshwar Pujara. Today, Harmanpreet Kaur, the once-overlooked girl from Moga, is a celebrated star of the Indian women’s cricket team, proving her detractors wrong and encouraging others to pursue their dreams.
Harmanpreet’s story exemplifies the power of perseverance, determination, and unwavering belief in one’s ability to achieve greatness, irrespective of the obstacles encountered.
Mithali Raj
She has consistently demonstrated her skills as an elite cricketer on the field. As the top run-scorer for India across all formats, she has captained with grit and determination.
Mithali’s impressive career began at 16 when she made her ODI debut, scoring an astounding 114 runs and becoming the youngest centurion in women’s ODIs. This achievement, however, was only the beginning. Mithali made history as the first cricketer to surpass 6,000 runs in Women’s ODIs, showcasing her skill and commitment to the sport.
In 2002, she dared to break Karen Rolton’s highest individual score in Test cricket. With unwavering focus, Mithali scored an incredible 214 runs against England, breaking the previous record of 209. Although Kiran Baluch surpassed Mithali’s record in 2004, her knock remains one of the most memorable innings in women’s Test cricket history.
Mithali’s journey exemplifies her dedication to cricket, her exceptional leadership, and her ability to inspire future generations of cricketers. Under her guidance, the future of Indian women’s cricket is brighter than ever.
Diana Edulji
She has left an unforgettable imprint on the world of women’s cricket. Renowned for her exceptional bowling, Edulji claimed 63 Test wickets in 20 matches and took 46 wickets in 34 ODIs. She stands third on the global all-time Test list, a testament to her prowess.
Honored with the Arjuna Award in 1983 and the Padma Shri in 2002, Diana’s influence reaches far beyond her on-field accomplishments. Fearlessly advocating for women’s cricket in India, her sharp wit and candid nature have made her a strong voice against gender discrimination in the sport. When barred from entering the Lord’s Pavilion, Diana famously suggested that the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) change its initials to MCP (male chauvinist pig).
Edulji’s journey embodies the essence of cricket, and her tireless efforts have opened doors for India’s future female cricketers.
Shikha Pandey
She has astounded the world by excelling in two demanding careers. The talented all-rounder balances her time as an Indian Air Force officer and a phenomenal cricket player, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to both fields.
At just 17 years old, Shikha’s cricket career began when she joined the Goa Women Senior State Side. Her exceptional skill and fierce determination propelled her upward through the ranks with ease. As a trailblazer for the Goa Cricket Association, she etched her name in history as the first cricketer from the region to represent India on the international stage.
During a 2014 match against South Africa, Shikha showcased her abilities on the field, playing a crucial role in securing an Indian victory. With a commendable score of 59 runs and three wickets to her name, it became evident that Shikha Pandey was a force to be reckoned with.
Shikha’s remarkable journey epitomizes the heights that can be reached when talent is paired with unwavering dedication. As fans and spectators continue to follow her awe-inspiring career, Shikha remains a shining example of hard work, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence in both the world of cricket and as an Indian Air Force officer.
Jhulan Goswami
As a right-arm medium fast bowler and right-handed batter, she has left an indelible mark on women’s cricket during her 20-year career from 2002 to 2022. Leading the Indian Women’s Cricket Team with distinction, Goswami displayed exceptional leadership and all-round abilities that helped her reach the summit of the sport.
Her record-breaking achievements include being the highest wicket-taker in women’s ODI cricket and ranking among the top five fastest female bowlers worldwide. The Indian government recognized her outstanding contributions with the prestigious Arjuna Award & Padma Shri.
Goswami’s iconic moment came in the 2006-07 Test series against England, where her extraordinary bowling figures of 13-4-33-5 and 36.2-21-45-5 took India to victory. Her performance led to her appointment as ODI captain from 2008 to 2011.
Final Take
Even though we limited our number to 5, there are many more women cricketers out there who have battled through many scars to be where they are today. All we can do sitting on seat is take our hats off in their tribute.
All of you are responsible for many women to fly and inspire themselves to achieve their dreams. In my humble voice, all I can say is: YOU GO GIRL!
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