Jhulan Goswami, who led the Indian women's team pace attack for over two decades, brought the curtains down on her illustrious career on Saturday (September 26) at Lord’s. India won the final ODI of the three-match series by 16 runs, handing England a 3-0 whitewash.
With 355 wickets across all formats, Goswami, 39, retired as the highest wicket-taker in women's cricket. She is also the only pacer to play more than 200 ODIs and picked over 250 wickets in the format. Jhulan is also the only Indian to pick a five-wicket haul in all three formats of the game in women's cricket.
After the game, Goswami posted a humble post on social media thanking everyone who had a positive influence on her career.
“I have always been honest as a cricketer and hope, I have been able to contribute to the growth of women’s cricket in India and the world. I hope I have been successful in inspiring the next generation of girls to play this beautiful game,” she stated in a farewell note posted on her social media account.
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“To my cricket family and beyond. So, the day has finally arrived! Like every journey has an end, my cricket journey of over 20 years ends today as I announce my retirement from all forms of cricket.”
Having made her debut in 1999, Jhulan Goswami also captained the Indian team, notably in the 2009 T20 World Cup, and played in five ODI World Cups in her 20-year-career.
“As Ernest Hemingway said, ‘it’s good to have an end to journey towards, but it is the journey that matters in the end’. For me, this journey has been the most satisfying. It has been exhilarating, thrilling to say the least, adventurous,”
“I have had the honor of donning the India jersey for over two decades and serving my country at the best of my abilities. There is a sense of pride every time I hear the National Anthem before a match.
“I have cherished every moment of the last 20 years of my life as an international cricketer with my teammates on and off the field. I have always loved you cricket and even as I retire as a professional player, I will never be too far away from you.”
Here's the tweet:
She also expressed her gratitude to the National Cricket Academy (NCA), BCCI, and CAB.
“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 want to thank NCA for taking care of my injuries and keeping me fit as fiddle over the years. I am grateful to all the coaches, trainers, physios, and ground staff who have been an integral part of this journey. A huge shout out to all the captains I have played under. Their faith in my abilities helped build my confidence.
“I want to take a moment to thank my family (my parents, siblings) who stood by me in every situation. Not to forget my friends, who have been my best critics and biggest supporters. Last but not the least, I want to thank my childhood coach for having backed me in my endeavor.”
The 39-year-old received the ideal send-off. She received a guard of honor from England players on Saturday and was carried on shoulders by her teammates as well.
(PTI INPUTS)
