Jhulan Goswami : In a monumental move celebrating one of cricket’s greatest icons, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has announced the renaming of Eden Gardens Block B gallery in honor of legendary pacer Jhulan Goswami. This makes her the first female cricketer to receive such recognition at the iconic stadium, joining the ranks of luminaries like Sourav Ganguly and Jagmohan Dalmiya. The stand will be inaugurated on January 22, 2024, during the India England T20I match, adding another chapter to Eden Gardens rich history.
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Eden Gardens Honours Jhulan Goswami: A Historic Tribute to the Queen of Swing
A Career Worth Immortalizing
Nicknamed the “Chakdah Express” after her humble beginnings in a small town in West Bengal, Jhulan Goswami’s cricketing journey is nothing short of inspirational. Over a stellar 20 year career, she became a trailblazer for women’s cricket, setting records that still stand today:
- Most Wickets in Women’s ODIs: 255 wickets in 204 matches at an average of 22.04.
- Test Cricket Dominance: 44 wickets in just 12 matches, averaging 17.36.
- T20I Contributions: 56 wickets at a tidy economy rate of 5.45.
Goswami retired in 2022 with an incredible 355 wickets across all formats, cementing her place as one of the most celebrated figures in women’s cricket.
Eden Gardens: A Fitting Tribute
The Block B gallery, situated near the dressing room and clubhouse, will also feature exhibits chronicling Jhulan’s illustrious career, from her early days to her rise as an international star. Speaking about the honor, Goswami expressed her gratitude:
“For any cricketer, representing your district, state, or country is the ultimate dream. But receiving an honor like this is monumental. Words can’t do justice to this recognition.”
This dedication is not just a tribute to Goswami’s achievements but also a step towards promoting women’s cricket in India. CAB President Snehasish Ganguly emphasized the importance of celebrating role models like Goswami to inspire future generations.
Post Retirement Contributions
Even after retiring, Jhulan Goswami has remained an influential figure in cricket. As the bowling coach and mentor for the Mumbai Indians Women’s Premier League team, she helped guide them to victory in the inaugural WPL season. Her mentorship extended to the Trinbago Knight Riders in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League, showcasing her commitment to nurturing talent globally.
Why This Recognition Matters
This honor is a significant milestone for Indian women’s cricket, symbolizing its growing stature. Eden Gardens, one of the world’s most revered cricket venues, now stands as a testament to Jhulan Goswami’s legacy. It also reflects the CAB’s vision for promoting women’s sports, which Jhulan herself acknowledged:
“The CAB has done phenomenal work over the past decade for women’s cricket. This honor is proof of their commitment to the game.”
Eden Gardens’ stands already commemorate cricketing greats such as:
- Sourav Ganguly, former Indian captain and BCCI President.
- Jagmohan Dalmiya, a visionary cricket administrator.
- Pankaj Roy, a stalwart of Indian cricket.
Adding Jhulan Goswami to this elite list underscores her impact on the sport and solidifies her place in cricketing history.
The inauguration of the Jhulan Goswami Stand on January 22, 2024, during the India England T20I, will be a momentous occasion. Fans can witness history being made while celebrating the life and career of a legend who redefined women’s cricket.
FAQs
Who is Jhulan Goswami?
Jhulan Goswami is a legendary Indian women’s cricketer and the leading wicket taker in women’s ODIs, with 255 wickets
What records does Jhulan Goswami hold?
Jhulan holds the record for most wickets in women’s ODIs (255) and has a total of 355 wickets across all formats
