India's veteran pacer Jhulan Goswami added another feather to her illustrious cap by becoming the first female cricketer to take 200 ODI wickets. Goswami achieved the feat during the second ODI between India and South Africa. The 35-year-old, playing her 166th ODI, dismissed opener Laura Wolvaardt for her 200th scalp. Interestingly, the first male cricketer to pick 200 ODI wickets, was also an Indian - the great Kapil Dev.
In May 2017, Goswami became the highest wicket-taker in women's ODIs, eclipsing the decade-long record held by Australian Cathryn Fitzpatrick. Goswami, hailing from a small town called Chakdaha in Nadia district of West Bengal, made her debut way back in 2002. She was also adjudged ICC Women Cricketer of the Year in 2007.
In an interview, Goswami revealed that she cannot pick any one wicket as the special one of the favourite as she believes that every wicket is important. "I remember each of my 200 wickets, right from the beginning of my international career in 2002," said Goswami.
"I still remember I got (Caroline) Atkins (the then England opener) out, caught in the slips. Mithali (Raj) was in the slip and she caught that catch. Whenever I bowl at a crucial time in the match and end a partnership, it becomes special for me. I cannot pick one. All the wickets are planned. Every wicket is important," said the 35-year-old.
The ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year 2007, Arjuna Awardee, Padma Shri winner and the once the fastest bowler in women's cricket has been the mainstay of India women bowling unit since her debut in 2002, and she credits her training regime for being able to play this long despite being a fast bowler.
"I do a lot of training. I believe in my training," revealed Goswami, adding, "As a fast bowler, you have to train hard as there are a lot of ups and downs. When things aren't working my way, it is the process that counts. I strongly believe that my training regime has helped me a lot because there is a lot of wear and tear. Injuries happen, but our schedule is such that we play one series, then we get a break of one or two months. So, I have got time to recover."
With 290 International wickets (Tests, ODIs and T20I), Goswami is the all-time leading wicket-taker in women's cricket. After winning the ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year 2007, she captained India. She was conferred with the Arjuna Award in 2010, and the Padma Shri two years later and for her there has been no bigger honour than wearing the India jersey.
"So far whenever I have played, I have tried to give more than my hundred per cent on the field. I always play for my team, it is not about an individual (performance). Every day, every session and every match, I always enjoy. It is a huge honour for me to represent my country. Wearing the India jersey is a big honour for me. All these moments are very special moments in my career because iske elava mere life mein kuch nahi hai (there is nothing else in my life other than this)," she said.
