India’s squad for the ongoing Tri-Nation Series in Sri Lanka had seen a late change, with rising star Kranti Goud called up to the national team as a replacement for the injured pacer Kashvee Gautam. The Madhya Pradesh all-rounder steps in at a crucial time, rewarded for her recent heroics in domestic and franchise cricket.
Kranti’s call-up is a significant milestone in her journey from the grassroots of rural Madhya Pradesh to international cricket. Her performances in the Senior Women’s One Day Trophy in December 2024 were nothing short of spectacular — she picked up 15 wickets in 9 matches and delivered a match-winning spell of 4 for 25 in the final, which included dismissing India wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh. That display led Madhya Pradesh to its first-ever title in the competition.
The following month, while her returns in the Senior Women’s One Day Challenger Trophy were modest — 1 wicket from 3 matches — Goud’s name continued to circulate in selection circles. She caught national attention again during the WPL 2025 auction. Despite low expectations, she was picked by UP Warriorz at her base price of Rs 10 lakh (USD 12,000). Previously a net bowler with Mumbai Indians in 2024, Goud finally got her chance to shine on the WPL stage.
She made the most of it. In 8 WPL appearances for the Warriorz, Goud collected 6 wickets and produced a defining spell of 4 for 25 against Delhi Capitals Women. In that game, she dismissed stars like Meg Lanning, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Jess Jonassen — a performance that showcased her ability to change the course of a match.
Beyond her bowling, Goud has shown her value with the bat too. In the 2024 U-23 Women’s One Day Trophy quarter-final, she came in at 106 for 5 and steadied the innings with a gritty 42-ball 46 to take MP to 182 for 9 — a knock that highlighted her composure and finishing ability.
Her inclusion in the India squad comes as Kashvee Gautam recovers from an injury setback. Gautam, 22, has bowled with control in her early international outings despite not claiming wickets yet, with economical spells of 0/28 (8 overs), 0/23 (5), and 0/47 (7.2). She also contributed a quick 17 off 11 with the bat in India’s last game. In the WPL, she impressed with 11 wickets in 9 matches and a best of 3 for 11 at an economy rate of 6.45.
As Goud dons the India jersey for the first time, in the Tri-Series Final against Sri Lanka, her journey stands as a testament to talent, hard work, and timing. She now has the opportunity to turn promise into performance on the international stage.
