Women’s cricket in India has grown from a niche sport to a celebrated phenomenon, inspiring millions and producing some of the world’s finest cricketers.
For fans engaging in , the rise of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) has further spotlighted the talent in Indian women’s cricket.
Mithali Raj: The Record-Breaking Trailblazer
Mithali Raj, often dubbed the “Lady Tendulkar” of Indian women’s cricket, is the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket with over 7,000 ODI runs. Born in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, in 1982, Raj debuted at 16 in 1999, scoring an unbeaten 114 against Ireland. Her impeccable technique and calm demeanor under pressure made her a batting genius. Raj holds records for the most half-centuries (64) in Women’s ODIs and is the only woman to score seven consecutive 50s in ODIs. As captain, she led India to two ODI World Cup finals (2005 and 2017), a feat unmatched by any Indian captain, male or female. Her awards include the Arjuna Award (2003), Padma Shri (2015), and Khel Ratna (2021).
Jhulan Goswami: The Fast-Bowling Legend
Jhulan Goswami, known as the “Bowling Warhorse,” is arguably the greatest fast bowler in women’s cricket history. Hailing from West Bengal, she debuted in 2002 and became India’s pace spearhead for two decades. Goswami holds the world record for the most wickets in Women’s ODIs (255), with 44 Test and 56 T20I wickets to her name. Her fiery pace, bounce, and athleticism terrorized batters globally. She won the ICC Women’s Player of the Year award in 2007 and received the Padma Shri in 2012. Goswami played a pivotal role in India’s 2005 World Cup final run and, post-retirement, has served as a bowling coach for Mumbai Indians in the WPL.
Diana Edulji: The Pioneering All-Rounder
Diana Edulji, a left-arm spinner from Mumbai, was a pioneer during the early days of Indian women’s cricket in the 1970s and 1980s. With 63 Test wickets, she ranks third on the all-time list for women’s Test cricket. Edulji’s 100+ international wickets and contributions as a batter helped establish India as a competitive force. She played when women’s cricket lacked support, yet her resilience earned her the Arjuna Award (1983) and Padma Shri (2002). Beyond playing, Edulji’s administrative role in the BCCI from 2017 to 2019 significantly advanced women’s cricket in India.
Harmanpreet Kaur: The Power-Hitting Captain
Harmanpreet Kaur, born in 1989 in Punjab, is India’s current T20I captain and a dynamic all-rounder known for her explosive batting. Her unforgettable 171 not out against Australia in the 2017 Women’s World Cup semifinal propelled India to the final, earning global acclaim. Debuting in 2009, Kaur has scored over 3,000 ODI runs and is the first Indian woman to score a T20I century (103 vs. New Zealand in 2018). Her leadership and aggressive style have made her a fan favorite. Kaur’s performances in the WPL, particularly with Mumbai Indians, highlight her versatility. Awarded the Arjuna Award in 2017, she continues to inspire with her fearless approach.
Smriti Mandhana: The Modern Superstar
Smriti Mandhana, born in 1996 in Mumbai, is the face of modern Indian women’s cricket. A stylish left-handed opener, she debuted in 2013 and became the first Indian woman to score a T20I century (against England in 2018). Mandhana’s aggressive batting and consistency have earned her four ICC awards, including the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award in 2021. She holds a record for being named in the ICC Women’s Team of the Year in 2016 and has shone in the WPL and Women’s Big Bash League. As vice-captain, her 2,000+ T20I runs and elegant strokeplay make her a global icon, inspiring young girls to pursue cricket.
Loves all things female cricket