Exiled from all formats of the game following an amazing two-decade international career, the legendary player Jhulan Goswami on Sunday hoped she was accomplished in inspiring the new generation of players from India and across the globe to take on”the “beautiful game”.
She is 39 years old. Goswami was presented with the fairy-tale ending she had hoped for in her long and successful career when India Women defeated England with 16 runs during the final and third ODI played at the Lord’s to complete their first sweep of clean on English playing field. “I was always honest in my cricketing career and I hope that I’ve been able help to improve the quality of women’s sport in India and around the world. I hope that I’ve been successful in helping girls of the future to take up this sport,” Goswami wrote on an end-of-year note on her social accounts.
“To my Cricket family” and all the way beyond. It’s come! As with all journeys, they come to ended my journey in cricket for more than 20 years is over today, as I declare my resignation from all types of the game.” The most impressive fast bowlers that have ever played the sport, Goswami left the scene as the top female wicket-taker in women’s cricket beginning her journey in 2002. She took 44 wickets over twelve Tests and 255 wickets during the ODIs of 204 and 56 wickets in the 68 T20Is.
“As Ernest Hemingway said, it’s great to have a conclusion to travel towards but it’s the journey that counts at the final’. For me, this trip was the most rewarding. It’s been thrilling and thrilling, not to mention last but not the least, and adventurous.” Goswami wrote.
“I have had the privilege of wearing the India jersey for more than two decades, and I have served my country to the very highest level of my ability. There is a feeling of pride each time I sing that National Anthem before a match.
“I have loved every minute during the last two decades of my existence as a professional international cricketer, with my teammates both on both the fields. I’ve always loved your cricket and , even when I become a professional cricketer I’ll never be far to the people you.” She was a part of 5 ICC Women’s World Cups including in 2005 and in 2017 in which India reached the finals. Goswami also played in 5 ICC Women’s T20 World Cups.
“Ever since watching the Women’s World Cup final at Eden Gardens back in 1997, it was my dream to play for India, and I am thankful to the BCCI, CAB, WCAI and Air India officials for reposing faith in me and giving me the opportunity to fulfil my dream,” she wrote.
“I am grateful to NCA for their care and attention to my injuries and keeping me fit as a fiddle throughout my career. I am thankful to all trainers, coaches, physiotherapists, and ground crew who have been a vital part of my journey. I would like to thank every captain I’ve worked under. Their trust in me has helped me build confidence.
“I would like to take time to express my gratitude to my entire family (my parents and siblings) who have stood by me in all my challenges. And don’t forget my friends whom I have considered my most reliable critics as well as my biggest supporters. And last but not least I want to express my gratitude to my coach from childhood for having been a huge supporter of my efforts.”
