The 10 Greatest Indian Women’s Cricketers of All Time Cricket is a religion in India, and it’s not only the men who have played it exceptionally well. Indian women’s cricket team has been making waves in the cricket world with their excellent performance in recent years. India has produced some exceptional women cricketers who have made the country proud on numerous occasions. In this article, we will discuss the 10 greatest Indian women’s cricketers of all time who have left an indelible mark on the game.
1. Mithali Raj :
Mithali Raj is undoubtedly one of the greatest Indian women cricketers of all time. She is often referred to as the “Tendulkar of Women’s Cricket” and is the highest run-scorer in One Day Internationals (ODIs) with over 7,000 runs. Raj has been a vital cog in the Indian Women’s Cricket Team and has led the team to many victories. She has also been awarded the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, two of India’s highest civilian awards.
2. Jhulan Goswami :
Jhulan Goswami is a name that cannot be overlooked when we talk about Indian women’s cricket. She is considered one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of women’s cricket. She is the leading wicket-taker in women’s ODI cricket and has also taken 40 wickets in T20Is. Goswami has been a vital cog in the Indian team for over a decade and has helped India win several matches with her exceptional bowling skills. She has also been awarded the Arjuna Award and the Padma Shri.
3. Anjum Chopra :
Anjum Chopra is a former captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team and one of the most successful all-rounders in women’s cricket. She has been a part of the Indian team for over a decade and has contributed significantly to India’s success in international cricket. Chopra has also been honored with several awards, including the Arjuna Award and the Padma Shri.
4. Shantha Rangaswamy :
Shantha Rangaswamy is a former captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team and one of the pioneers of women’s cricket in India. Rangaswamy scored over 700 runs and took over 20 wickets in her international career. She was also a coach and selector for the Indian women’s team and is a prominent figure in Indian cricket. She has also been awarded the Arjuna Award and the Padma Shri.
5. Shubhangi Kulkarni :
Shubhangi Kulkarni was a top-order batter for the Indian Women’s Cricket Team and one of the most successful Indian women cricketers of the 1980s. Kulkarni scored over 1,000 runs in ODI cricket and was awarded the Arjuna Award for her contributions to Indian cricket.
6. Diana Edulji :
Diana Edulji is a former captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team and one of the most successful spin bowlers who played for India from 1976 to 1993. Edulji played 20 test matches and 34 ODIs for India and took 271 wickets. She also served as a selector for the Indian Women’s Cricket Team.
7. Neetu David :
Neetu David, the current chairperson of the BCCI women’s selection committee, is a former Indian Women’s Cricketer who played for the national team as a skillful left-arm spinner. Neetu holds the record for the best bowling figures in women’s Tests with figures of 8/53 against England in Jamshedpur in November 1995. Additionally, she was the first Indian bowler to take 100 wickets in Women’s ODIs.
8. Harmanpreet Kaur :
Harmanpreet Kaur is one of the most talented all-rounders in women’s cricket. She is known for her explosive batting and excellent fielding skills. Kaur shot to fame with her unbeaten 171 in the 2017 Women’s World Cup semi-final against Australia, the highest individual score by an Indian woman cricketer in a World Cup knockout match. She is the current Caption of the Team.
9. Smriti Mandhana :
Smriti Mandhana is one of the most exciting young talents in women’s cricket. She made her debut for India at the age of 16 and has since become one of the most feared batters in world cricket. Mandhana has a remarkable record in ODIs and T20Is and has already scored over 2000 runs in international cricket. She scored the fastest fifty by an Indian woman cricketer in T20I cricket, off just 24 balls.
10. Purnima Rau :
Purnima Rau was an opening batswoman who played for India in the 80s and 90s. She was a key player for India during her time and was a part of the team that won the Women’s Cricket World Cup in 1997. Rau scored over 1,000 runs in both Test and ODI cricket and was known for her consistency at the top of the order. She also played a crucial role in developing the game in South India and was the coach of the Indian women’s team that reached the final of the 2005 World Cup. She also remains captain of the team.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the 10 greatest Indian women’s cricketers of all time have made an indelible mark on the sport with their incredible performances and achievements. From the trailblazing captaincy of Mithali Raj to the explosive batting of Harmanpreet Kaur, these players have inspired generations of young girls to take up cricket and pursue their dreams.
As we look back on their careers, it’s clear that each of these players brought their own unique strengths and talents to the game and all played a crucial role in shaping the history of Indian women’s cricket. But the legacy of these players is not just limited to their performances on the field. They have also been powerful advocates for gender equality and women’s empowerment, using their platform to raise awareness about important social issues.
So, as we celebrate the achievements of these 10 remarkable women, we must also remember the countless others who have contributed to the growth and success of Indian women’s cricket.