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Jhulan made her international debut in 2002 and later represented India in 12 Tests, 204 ODIs and 68 T20Is, taking a total of 355 wickets in all these competitions. During her outstanding two-year career, the 39-year-old proudly represented India, expressing her immense sense of honour. The renowned Jhulan Goswami penned an impassioned farewell to mark her retirement from all sports in a beautiful farewell. Her farewell international match coincided with India Women's historic 3-0 ODI series win over England at Lord's, their first success over the opposition since 1999.
The second longest-serving player in women's international cricket, the 39-year-old exuded a deep sense of pride in representing India for more than two decades.
She announced her retirement from all forms of cricket in a thoughtful letter, taking inspiration from Ernest Hemingway's quote: "it's good to have an end to journey towards, but it is the journey that matters in the end." She described her experience, which included proudly wearing the India jersey for over two decades, as extremely gratifying, exciting and adventurous. Every time the national anthem was played before a game, she exclaimed with great pride.
Jhulan's distinguished career in cricket featured her participation in five ODI World Cups (2005, 2009, 2013, 2017 and 2022) where she became the top wicket-taker in the Women's World Cup. She is notable for being the only pacer in women's cricket to take over 250 ODI wickets.
She highlighted the invaluable gifts cricket has given her, especially the people she has met along the way, including friends, opponents, teammates, journalists, match officials and board administrators. She expressed her belief that her openness as a cricketer has helped women's cricket flourish in India and around the world by encouraging the next generation of girls to take up the sport.
She expressed her appreciation and that it has always been her goal to represent India ever since she saw the 1997 Women's World Cup final at the Eden Gardens. She expressed her gratitude to the authorities of Women's Cricket Association of India (WCAI), BCCI (Board of Control For Cricket In India), CAB (Cricket Association of Bengal) and Air India for believing in her and giving her a chance to realise her ambitions.
Furthermore, Jhulan thanked the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for keeping her healthy despite the injuries she suffered during her illustrious career at the highest level. When she walked into the batting box in her last international match, the England team presented her with a guard of honour. Despite being out without a run (a golden duck), she went on to claim her 254th and 255th ODI wickets, the latter on her 10,000th wicket in the 50-over format. In her farewell speech, she thanked the NCA, coaches, trainers, physios, ground staff and captains who have been instrumental in her journey. She also expressed gratitude to her friends, family and former coach for their unwavering support.
Jhulan Goswami concluded by thanking her supporters – fans, members of the media and broadcasters – and expressing her appreciation for their encouragement. She also said that she would always enjoy the game of cricket even after she retires.
FAQs
Where does Jhulan Goswami come from?
Goswami was born into a middle-class family in the town of Chakdaha in the Nadia district of West Bengal.
Why is Jhulan Goswami sometimes referred to as the Chakdaha Express?
Fueled by passion and tenacity, Jhulan's ambition to represent India on the international stage was born in her village of Chakdaha in West Bengal, which is about 67 km from Kolkata.
When is Jhulan Goswami’s birthday?
The former Indian cricketer, Jhulan Goswami was born on 25 November 1982.
