Jhulan Goswami at the Kolkata Airport on Tuesday. Image Source: XtraTime[/caption]Kolkata: Ace Indian women cricketer Jhulan Goswami on Tuesday said that she never played for records and added their triumph in the four-nation series in South Africa would put them in a good stead in the World Cup in a month's time.
The 34-year-old had surpassed the record of 180 wickets, previously held by the Australian fast bowler Cathryn Fitzpatrick for nearly 10 years as she now has a tally of 185 after her match-winning 3/22 in their eight-wicket win over South Africa to win the Quadrangular Series, in Potchefstroom on May 21.
"Individual records don't matter much in a team sport. I never played for records but for the love for sport. You achieve milestones when you keep playing," Jhulan told reporters after her arrival from South Africa.
Jhulan leads the list with the three names below her have all retired as it appears that the 5 feet 11 inch lanky pacer will hold on to this record for some time.
In the list, the only Indian in the top 10 is the retired Neetu David (141) at No 4.
"I am glad that I could achieve a few things on the way. I always played the game with love and passion, maybe that's why I could achieve the milestones," a humble Jhulan said.
It has been a long journey for Jhulan to reach the pinnacle. Talking about her journey, Jhulan said, “Sometimes while playing you have to achieve different milestones, and I feel very happy after winning a difficult series. We defeated the mighty South Africans; the pitch was also very tough. It was hard and bouncy but we overcame all odds as we played positive cricket.”
She also added, “Achieving individual brilliances and glory is good but winning the trophy with the team gives much more pleasure. I just want to enjoy my bowling and enjoy this moment” said the Indian pacer on being questioned regarding winning the Quadrangular tournament.”
The 34 year old cricketer from Chakdah has never played cricket for records.
“I have never played cricket for creating records, I have always played cricket because I love this game the most and whatever I have achieved I am grateful to that. I never started playing the sport thinking I would or will have to win this particular trophy or achieve that particular record. I have lovingly played the game and with this lovingness I have achieved a lot” said Goswami.
India dominated the entire Quadrangular tournament to lift the title beating the hosts South Africa.
“Throughout the tournament we have played well. We have been preparing for the last 6 months and these preparations involved personal training too. If the time goes right then things usually work in your favour. Each of us tried to contribute and as a result the team is performing very well” said the highest wicket taker of women’s ODI history.
Indian eves will begin their campaign against hosts England on June 24 at Derbyshire. The eves had a good warm up in the recently concluded Quadrangular series. According to Jhulan, “There is a long way to go. We play our first match of the tournament against England and it will show how well we play. The Quadrangular series has been a good preparation before the World Cup specially for the young cricketers who got chance in the team.”
On being asked who will be the favourites beside India to lift the Women’s World Cup, Jhulan said,“Playing in England is not easy and that too the World Cup is quite a tough job. Everyone will have to be mentally strong as there will be better competitive teams like Australia, New Zealand and West Indies.”
One good performance in the Women’s World Cup will create more awareness for the game among the women cricketers.
“If the Women’s cricket team performs well in the World Cup then only Women’s cricket platform will be built in the country. So we would try to perform better in the World Cup and in other different ICC tournaments” said Goswami.
The Indian women’s cricket team would have a special training camp for the forthcoming ICC Women’s World Cup at the indoor facility at the Bandra Kurla Complex from June 5-10. The team would fly away for England on early morning of 11th.
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