The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Honorary Membership stands as one of cricket’s most prestigious recognitions. While Indian men cricketers have long been celebrated for their achievements, the past decade has seen significant acknowledgment of Indian women cricketers. These trailblazers, through their grit, talent, and enduring passion, have laid the foundation for the growth of women’s cricket in India. Here are several pioneering Indian women cricketers who have received this honor, each leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Anjum Chopra (2016)
The former captain is one of the first Indian women to be inducted into the MCC, a moment she described as humbling and a source of inspiration for future generations of Indian women cricketers. Anjum represented India in 12 Tests, 127 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 18 T20Is. The left-hander scored 548 runs in Tests and 2,856 in ODIs. Chopra, a former India captain and Padma Shri awardee, was one of the first Indian women to play 100 ODIs and a trailblazer in popularizing women’s cricket in India. She continues her influence off the field as a commentator, analyst, and advocate for women in sport.
Sandhya Agarwal (2017)
A prolific Test batter, she redefined India’s approach in the longer format. She amassed 1,110 runs in just 13 Test matches, including four centuries. The former India captain once held the world record for the highest individual score in women’s Test cricket with her 190 against England. Even after her playing days, she remains a strong presence in cricket administration and development, serving as chairperson of the MPCA’s women’s wing.
Gargi Banerjee (2017)
Gargi Banerjee made her international debut before turning 15, at Eden Gardens in a World Cup match against England. She had a notable international career as a dependable player, featuring in 12 Tests and 26 ODIs. Her grace with both bat and ball earned her this honor. She is also known for her outstanding bowling analysis in an innings with 6/9. She chaired the Indian women’s cricket selection committee from 2011 to 2014.
Diana Edulji (2017)
This stalwart remains India’s leading wicket-taker in women’s Tests and was pivotal in establishing the Railways women’s team, the most successful in Indian domestic cricket. She played 20 Tests and 34 ODIs, claiming 63 and 46 wickets, respectively. She bowled over 5,098 deliveries in her Test career. Diana is also considered one of the greatest Indian women cricketers of all time and was inducted into the International Cricket Council (ICC) Hall of Fame.
Shashi Gupta (2017)
She donned the Indian jersey in 13 Tests and 20 ODIs. She was part of the 1993 Women’s World Cup squad, where India made a strong showing by finishing fourth. Shashi later transitioned to coaching and cricket management, working closely with the BCCI’s women’s committee and serving as a selector, continuing her commitment to the sport.
Shubhangi Kulkarni (2017)
She is one of the game’s most successful administrators. She played 19 Tests and 27 ODIs for India, and with 60 Test wickets, remains one of the most successful Indian bowlers in that format. She also holds the record for taking the most wickets in a women’s Test series, picking up 23. Her contributions extend beyond cricket; she played a crucial role in building the structure of women’s cricket in India during a time when the sport struggled for visibility.
Shantha Rangaswamy (2017)
India’s first female Test centurion, she scored 750 runs and took 21 wickets in 16 Test matches. She was the first woman to win a Test series and the first woman to receive a lifetime achievement award from the BCCI. Her historic 108 against New Zealand in 1977 was not only a personal triumph but also a national milestone as India’s first women’s Test century. Shantha later coached and managed the Indian team and served as a prominent voice in cricket policy-making.
Sudha Shah (2017)
Sudha’s journey was marked by longevity and resilience. She played 21 Tests and 13 ODIs, including India’s first-ever women’s Test match in 1976. As a batter and occasional bowler, Sudha’s quiet consistency was vital to the Indian team’s backbone during its foundational years. After retiring, she committed herself to coaching and worked behind the scenes to help build grassroots women’s cricket programs.
Jhulan Goswami (2023)
Goswami, a modern legend and one of the world’s greatest fast bowlers, received this honor for her unparalleled contributions. She has reaped rewards through control and minute deviations off the pitch. With 255 wickets in 204 ODIs, she holds the record for the most wickets in women’s ODIs. She surpassed Cathryn Fitzpatrick to become the highest wicket-taker in women’s ODI history. In addition, she represented India in 12 Tests and 68 T20Is. She won the ICC Women’s Player of the Year in 2007-a year in which no Indian male player bagged any individual award.
Mithali Raj (2023)
The all-time leading run-scorer in women’s ODIs, Mithali has 7,805 runs in 232 ODIs. During the 2017 ODI World Cup, she surpassed former England captain Charlotte Edwards to become the highest run-scorer in ODIs and the first woman to score 6,000 runs in the format. Mithali captained India in four World Cups and led the team to the finals in 2005 and 2017. Raj is known for her composure and tactical acumen, but her legacy goes beyond numbers.
