WPL 2023: It’s important to take a moment to recognize the trailblazing women who are making waves in the sports industry as we observe International Women’s Day. In the male-dominated sport of cricket, Indian women cricketers have been breaking barriers and challenging gender norms. Let’s take a moment to appreciate and celebrate the incredible achievements of Indian women cricketers and support them in their journey towards even greater success.
- Harmanpreet Kaur
Harmanpreet Kaur follows the ‘see ball, hit ball’ mantra of her idol Virender Sehwag, exemplifying the modern Indian women’s cricketer who is being featured in ad campaigns, endorsements, and central contracts. She has also made history as the first Indian cricketer, male or female, to secure a Big Bash League contract with the Sydney Thunder in Australia. As a trailblazer, Kaur has shattered barriers and opened doors for future generations of female cricketers.
- Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana, the teenage girl with glasses opted to give up her scientific studies and potential career in the hospitality industry, and she has no regrets about it. At only 20 years old, she has become the second Indian cricketer to participate in a foreign T20 league and has accomplished remarkable feats, including scoring a century in the World Cup, another one in Australia, and a double century in a domestic one-day competition. Mandhana’s interest in cricket began at the age of nine when she went along with her older brother to a cricket trial. She learned to bat left-handed despite being right-handed. By the age of 11, she was already selected for the Maharashtra Under-19 squad and, four years later, for the senior team. She made a splash at the domestic level by smashing a dazzling 155 on her debut against Saurashtra.
- Mithali Raj
Mithali Raj, the legendary female cricketer of India, has accomplished numerous milestones during her illustrious international career, spanning over two decades. With the most runs in women’s cricket, Raj is the only Indian captain, male or female, to lead the team to two 50-over World Cup finals, with the only notable missing accolade being a World Cup victory. In her quest to achieve this dream, Raj retired from T20Is in September 2019, holding the record for the highest run-scorer for India, having last captained the team in the format during the 2016 T20 World Cup held in India.
- Jhulan Goswami
Jhulan Goswami would undoubtedly be included in the BCCI’s women’s cricket “Hall of Fame” if one were to be established. Goswami, who was once among the fastest bowlers in women’s cricket, has reaped rewards through control and slight deviations off the pitch 15 years after making her debut. She surpassed Cathryn Fitzpatrick in May to hold the record for most wickets in a women’s ODI. She now serves as a mentor to a young group of Indian fast bowlers who are rising through the ranks.
- Deepti Sharma
People might think you’re antisocial if you’re a member of the millennial generation and don’t feel the need to use a smartphone at age 18. Some people might even single you out as the group’s sole nerd. Deepti Bhagwan Sharma, the most versatile player in a game she adores, may not fit today’s modernised definition of trendy, but the star Indian all-rounder had her priorities straight in life at a time when most of her peers were preoccupied with learning the ins and outs of social media’s burgeoning advantages.
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