We need more Jhulans: Shantha Rangaswamy

It took 13 years and 164 matches for Kapil Dev to be the first to 200 ODI wickets in 1991. For Jhulan Goswami to be the first to reach that many wickets among women in ODIs, it took an extra three years and just two more ODIs.

On Wednesday in Kimberley, when South Africa opener Laura Wolvaardt edged the 35-year-old right-arm medium-pacer from Bengal to wicketkeeper Sushma Verma to reach where no other woman cricketer has been, Jhulan has come a long way. So many sacrifices and hard work, not to mention the never-ending passion for the game ever since Jhulan induced Englishwoman Caroline Atkins to edge to Mithali Raj at slips for her maiden ODI wicket.

It is a tribute to Mithali's and Jhulan's fitness and dedication to the sport that 16 years after the two combined to give the bowler her maiden wicket, they are the world record holders for most runs and most wickets in ODIs, respectively.

Naturally, when one plays for that long, records are bound to fall, new milestones erected. But records are not what they play for. They are just by-products of their non-complaining routines, sometimes that can be boring but rewarding at the end of it. That's nothing new with Jhulan's case either.

What sets the 35-year-old from Nadia in Bengal apart is her humility despite achieving so much in the cricketing field.

Former India captain Shantha Rangaswamy is in awe of Jhulan's achievements. She says she adores Jhulan for her simplicity. She recalls a recent meeting at the National Cricket Academy when the Indian team visited Bengaluru.

“When Jhulan saw me at the NCA premises, she came to me and said namaste and we got talking. She said she is still grateful for the help I did to her when she was struggling with form about four years ago. Along the way, we help many. But how many actually remember them?

“Jhulan has a very high sense of gratitude and loyalty to those who have helped here even in the smallest possible way.

Paying rich tributes to Jhulan, Rangaswamy said: “If she can reach 200 ODI wickets in almost the same number of matches as Kapil did, it is big achievement. It is a matter of pride and honour for Indian women's cricket that the highest run-getter and the highest wicket-taker in ODIs are from India. It is a very unique phenomenon.”

It is not an easy proposition for a woman cricket, especially a fast bowler from India, to last 16 years and be on top of the world for the number of sticks taken.

Anju Jain, former India wicket-keeper, who has played along side Jhulan not just for the country but for their employers Air India attributed it to Jhulan's “dedication and consistency”.

“First of all, being first to 200 ODI wickets is a huge achievement, we are all proud of her,” said Jain, who also was the coach of the Indian team.

“Surviving for 16 years in international cricket as a medium-pacer, especially when we know speedsters' career span does not last so long, speaks volumes of the hard work she has put on her game.”

Rangaswamy, who was briefly coach of the Indian women's team about 10 years ago, said, “Jhulan

is the quintessence of team spirit. She plays for the team, speaks for the team. Despite her tall achievements, she is willing to speak to upcoming youngsters, gives them tips and guides them. We need many more Jhulans to make our team. For Indian women's cricket to sustain, we need players of not just her calibre but also her outlook and mentality.”

Jain added: “Jhulan's reward for all her hard work is the record she has achieved. Her dedication is second to none. You put her in different situations and she will react accordingly and always give her best.”