Chakdaha Express reaches final station

“This week the lockdown is being eased and we can go out and run. I need to train outside. Training at home will not be enough. Will you come with me?” Jhulan Goswami asked this writer.

This was in May 2021 when the country was under the influence of a second wave. The walls of the house were getting claustrophobic. Each day was a grim reminder that things weren’t perfect. The sport had not yet picked up on the world stage and it was not something no one had ever seen before. Goswami was getting restless.

“Every moment I am at home affects my fitness and my health,” she said.

Time was calling to him and no one knew it better than Goswami himself. With an insatiable hunger to perform for the team and move on till the last step, she had asked about the N95 masks she needed for training and wanted to take some to England.

Goswami was not worried about the virus. What mattered was cricket.

At 38, Goswami was ready for the tough yard. Waking up at 5 a.m. before people arrive, planning innovative exercises at home to keep things going, running more laps than every young man she trains with. This was Goswami throughout his career. All she knew was hard work, not leaving things to chance and preparing her best.

For two decades, Goswami could not afford to disappoint thousands of aspiring women whose sense of self-confidence was shaped by him. Indians can bowl fast, redefine the narrative and aspire to greatness is Goswami’s contribution to the game.

Goswami took his wickets in front of thousands. She was for fans in flesh and blood, for people to experience and be a part of her journey, to enjoy and consume the acts that had preceded her.

Women’s cricket has been accustomed to discrimination for the longest time before Mithali Raj and Goswami. He was used to the narrative of deprivation, content to play second fiddle.

The story of Goswami was different. It was domination and claim, victory and achievement, bowling fast and breaking taboos, creating a niche that many would now like to emulate.

How can one best describe Goswami? That she was one of the best things I’ve seen in the world is known and accepted. It is also known that she was the most diligent and conscientious. What can be added here is that she was equally obsessed, a quality that was necessary to be great. His longevity as a fast bowler is a testament to this.

“I was moving up and down in the room till around 3.30 pm. My mind was filled with self-doubt. It was not a happy place,” Goswami had said a day after a no-ball resulted in India’s ODI win against Australia in September 2021.

She was not one to forgive and forget.

“After sleeping really late, I woke up the next morning at around 10.30”, she said.

“Within a few minutes Harmanpreet (Kaur) and Smriti (Mandhana) called me and said they were taking me out for breakfast. I have my own routine for pre match day mornings but they were insisting that I break my routine. They didn’t give me a chance,” she laughed.

His teammates at breakfast helped him relax and focus on the third and final game.

“When I came out to bowl for the final ODI, my body was in pain but my mind was racing. I had to do well.” He scored the winning run and helped India win the match.

She wouldn’t rest easily otherwise. She was fine to let herself down, but when it came to her team, it was non-negotiable. He has done the same thing throughout his career.

And by doing so, he earned himself the status of a legend in his game. The game is poor now.

Women’s cricket will miss him. And she will miss being in the middle and running for India. But she knows that she has given her everything. Every ball thrown was a symbol of effort. He enriched his game and inspired many. She may not have won the World Cup, but she was part of a revolution in Indian women’s cricket.

Originally published at Pen 18

Harshal, Chahal’s form in focus ahead of series decider against Australia

India will be hoping for their lead bowlers Harshal Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal to take on Australia in the deciding third T20 International of the series here on Sunday.

India were able to bridge the gap in Nagpur to level the three-match series with a comprehensive win in the eight-over-a-side contest. But they will need their bowlers, especially Harshal and Chahal, to recover from their struggles ahead of the T20 World Cup.

India had an electric start in the previous game, with Axar Patel bowling a quick in the two overs that included some wickets but they struggled towards the end of the innings.

While Jasprit Bumrah will take over the responsibility, senior seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s poor performance in the death overs is a real concern. He struggled in the Asia Cup and in the opener against Australia.

He was dropped for the second T20, perhaps because skipper Rohit Sharma felt he needed only four bowlers for eight overs, but Bhuvneshwar’s form was worrying.

Death overs specialist Harshal, who is returning from injury, has also not inspired confidence and probably needs a few more matches to find his rhythm.

The right-arm medium pacer, who relies on his variations to be effective, has conceded 81 runs in his six overs at an economy rate of 13.50 and is the costliest bowler in the series. He has struggled to get his length right without a wicket.

India rely on their spinners in the middle overs and while Akshar has been a big positive, Chahal has faltered. He scored a lot of runs in the Asia Cup and this trend continued against Australia.

India, however, will breathe a sigh of relief as Bumrah was at his old best, showing no signs of war after returning from his back injury.

In the batting department, the famous top-order of Rohit, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli needs to be more consistent. All three have not fired in unison for some time.

Suryakumar Yadav has also been poor in the last few matches and Hardik Pandya has put in a match-winning performance.

Another chink in the armor of Indian batsmen is leg spin. The leggies have continued to struggle against and Adam Zampa has used this weakness well.

Dinesh Karthik, who played his part as a finisher in the previous game, is likely to get more playing time.

Skipper Rohit would also like to try out similar player Axar in place of injured Ravindra Jadeja with the bat to see how the all-rounder performs in critical situations. Additionally, he is the only left-handed batsman other than Rishabh Pant.

The Australians, on the other hand, will also be concerned with their bowling.

After beating India in the first game, the Australians were on the receiving end in the second match, eventually losing by six wickets. While Aaron Finch and Matthew Wade managed to score runs on the board, their bowling department failed miserably once again.

Fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Daniel Sams conceded 11 runs in an over in the absence of injured Nathan Ellis. All-rounder Cameron Green has also been expensive.

Wade has been fantastic with the Willows, but with a World Cup to defend in his backyard, the Aussie team management would love big-hitter Glenn Maxwell, who has scored just one run in two matches.

Come Sunday, both teams will look to iron out the flaws in their respective armor and come out on top, as a series win at the close of the World Cup will be a real moral booster.

Teams from:

Australia: Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Daniel Sams, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.

India: Rohit Sharma (Captain), KL Rahul (VC), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav.

The match will start at 7 PM IST.

Originally published at Pen 18

I don’t practice too much but like to be specific: Dinesh Karthik

Specific practice and ‘not too much’ helps Dinesh Karthik to come up with big hits in extreme pressure situations.

One such case was on Friday night when he hit a six and a four to seal the game for India after nine runs were needed off the last six balls.

When asked about his process, the designated finisher in the team said that creating scenarios in the nets helps him perform in the middle.

“From a time, I have been practicing for it, I am doing it now for RCB and I am happy to do it here. So it is a regular routine for some time.

“I do a lot of scenario drills and Rahul (Dravid) bhai and Vikram (Rathore) bhai are also adjusting how I want to practice, what type of shots I want to practice.

, Back to recommendation stories

“I’ve been very specific with it. I don’t practice a lot but I want to keep it as specific as possible,” Karthik said after India leveled the series against Australia.

In the first game, Karthik came to bat after Axar Patel while on Friday he was sent ahead of the left-arm spinner.

“I think this is something that we are trying, there are times when there may be few overs where an Axar Patel can target a spinner and take them.

“So there’s that kind of logic at that point and bowling left arm and leg spinner is a good matchup. So we try to use that option sometimes.

“So that’s one of the reasons why we try and play it depends on how the game is going at that point of time,” the 37-year-old said.

Karthik played ahead of Rishabh Pant in the opener but a short game allowed the management to accommodate both in the playing XI for the second T20I.

“Today we needed four bowlers to finish eight overs because each bowled two but we actually had five options. So when you have five options, there is a world-class all-rounder in Hardik Pandya,” Karthik said. It’s a luxury to have.”

“When Hardik Pandya is in 11, 11 becomes very well balanced, an extra batsman or extra bowler can play, that’s the luxury you have and that’s what makes him so special.”

The wicket-keeper batsman heaped praise on his captain Rohit Sharma, who scored an unbeaten 46 off 20 balls in the run chase. The game was reduced to a side contest for 8 overs due to a wet outfield.

“Brilliant batting from Rohit Sharma. On that pitch, it is not easy to play such shots against new ball bowlers. It shows that he is such a great player not only in Indian cricket but in world cricket as well.

“His ability to bowl fast is second to none in his world and that is what makes him really special as a batsman,” he added.

While Pandya has been in sensational form since his return from injury, Axar too has slipped into the role of a spin all-rounder after joining the side in place of injured Ravindra Jadeja.

Karthik said, “There are very few players like him (Pandya) who are capable of balancing the team and that’s where I think India is blessed and Touchwood is there. If he does well then it’s always good for Indian cricket. ”

“I think Axar Patel is also coming well with the bat at different times, it will help India as it helps in the balance of the team.

“Everyone is aware of Rishabh Pant’s quality as a batsman. He would have been very useful in this game. Yes, he couldn’t come back till the end but we all know what qualities he brings to the table. So I guess That I think India definitely made the right choice by playing the role of Rishabh.”

Originally published at Pen 18

Women cricketer Jhulan Goswami set to retire from One Day International Cricket – The Economic Times Video

Legendary Indian pacer Jhulan Goswami will play his final international match against England at Lord’s in the ‘Home of Cricket’ on Saturday and his team will try to make the occasion memorable, exiting the tour with a win.

Follow @EconomicTimes

Originally published at Pen 18

Roger Federer bids teary farewell to glorious tennis career; Rafael Nadal weeps too – The Economic Times Video

Spanish tennis ace Rafael Nadal was caught in an emotional moment as his longtime rival and friend Roger Federer bid adieu to the sport after a doubles clash in the ongoing Laver Cup 2022. The 20-time Grand Slam champion, 41, and Nadal, playing for Team Europe, lost 6–4, 6–7 (2/7), 9–11 to Francis Tiafoe and Jack Sock of Team World. When the match ended, Federer hugged Nadal as well as Tifo and Sock before crying. Nadal was also in tears after Federer’s loss in his last match in competitive tennis.

Originally published at Pen 18

Roger Federer’s last match is doubles loss with Rafael Nadal

इस दिन, यह मैच, निश्चित रूप से, रोजर फेडरर के लिए, और टेनिस के लिए आना था, जैसा कि हर खेल में प्रत्येक एथलीट के लिए अनिवार्य रूप से होना चाहिए।

फेडरर ने शुक्रवार की रात एक आखिरी प्रतियोगिता के साथ विदाई की बोली लगाई, इससे पहले कि वह 41 साल की उम्र में एक शानदार करियर के बाद रिटायर हो गए, जिसमें 20 ग्रैंड स्लैम खिताब और एक राजनेता की भूमिका शामिल थी। उन्होंने एक पेशेवर खिलाड़ी के रूप में अपने लंबे समय के प्रतिद्वंद्वी राफेल नडाल के साथ टीम यूरोप के लिए लेवर कप में फ्रांसेस टियाफो और टीम वर्ल्ड के जैक सॉक के खिलाफ युगल में हार के साथ अपने दिनों को लपेटा।

सच्चाई यह है कि विजेता, आंकड़े और स्कोर (ठीक है, रिकॉर्ड के लिए यह 4-6, 7-6 (2), 11-9) कोई मायने नहीं रखता था, और सभी पूरी तरह से बिंदु के बगल में थे। आखिर मौका था विदाई का ही। या, बेहतर, विदाई, बहुवचन: फेडरर का टेनिस, प्रशंसकों को, उनके प्रतिस्पर्धियों और सहयोगियों को। और, स्वाभाविक रूप से, उन संस्थाओं में से प्रत्येक ने फेडरर को विदाई दी।

फेडरर ने कहा, “यह एक आदर्श यात्रा रही है।” “मैं यह सब फिर से करूँगा।”

जब मैच, और इसके साथ, पेशेवर टेनिस में उनका समय समाप्त हुआ, फेडरर ने नडाल, फिर टियाफो और सॉक को गले लगाया। और फिर फेडरर रोने लगे। जैसे ही स्टैंड से ताली बजाने और स्नेह की चीखें निकलने लगीं, फेडरर ने अपने हाथों को अपने कूल्हों पर रखा, अपनी छाती को गर्म किया। फिर उन्होंने कहा, “धन्यवाद,” दर्शकों की ओर तालियां बजाते हुए, जिन्होंने नारा लगाया था, “चलो चलते हैं, रोजर! चलो चलते हैं!” एक मैच के समापन क्षणों के दौरान जो दो घंटे से अधिक समय तक चला और लगभग 12:30 बजे समाप्त हुआ

स्विस स्टार ने पिछले हफ्ते घोषणा की कि तीन दिवसीय टीम इवेंट, जिसे उनकी प्रबंधन कंपनी द्वारा स्थापित किया गया था, सेवानिवृत्ति से पहले उनका अंतिम कार्यक्रम होगा, फिर स्पष्ट किया कि डबल्स आउटिंग उनका आखिरी मैच होगा। उनके दाहिने घुटने की शल्य चिकित्सा की मरम्मत – जुलाई 2021 में विंबलडन क्वार्टर फाइनल में हार के तुरंत बाद तीन ऑपरेशनों में से अंतिम हुआ, जो उनके अंतिम आधिकारिक एकल मैच के रूप में नीचे जाएगा – उन्हें जारी रखने की अनुमति देने के लिए कोई आकार नहीं है।

फेडरर ने इस सप्ताह एसोसिएटेड प्रेस के साथ एक साक्षात्कार में अपनी भावनाओं के बारे में कहा, “मेरे लिए, केवल व्यक्तिगत रूप से, (यह) पहले क्षण में दुखी था, जब मैं इस निष्कर्ष पर पहुंचा कि यह सबसे अच्छा निर्णय है।” . “मैंने पहले तो इसे पकड़ रखा था, फिर उसका मुकाबला किया। लेकिन मैं दर्द महसूस कर सकता था।”

शुक्रवार के मैच से कुछ घंटे पहले, फेडरर ने ट्वीट किया: “मैंने इसे हजारों बार किया है, लेकिन यह अलग लगता है। आज रात आने वाले सभी लोगों को धन्यवाद।”

उन्होंने कहा था कि वह चाहते थे कि यह एक अंतिम संस्कार की तुलना में एक पार्टी की तरह महसूस हो, और भीड़ ने बाध्य किया, जब फेडरर और नडाल – प्रत्येक ने एक सफेद बंदना, नीली शर्ट और सफेद शॉर्ट्स पहने हुए – एक साथ एक साथ उभरे O2 एरिना में दिन 1 पर आखिरी मैच के लिए ब्लैक कोर्ट की ओर जाने वाली सुरंग। प्री-मैच वॉर्मअप के दौरान दर्शक लगभग 10 मिनट तक अपने पैरों पर खड़े रहे, इस पल को कैद करने के लिए फोन के कैमरे पकड़े हुए थे।

वे उसके लिए दहाड़ने के लिए तैयार आए, कुछ स्विस झंडे के साथ, कुछ घर के संकेतों के साथ, और जब फेडरर ने मैच के दूसरे बिंदु पर फोरहैंड वॉली विजेता दिया, तो उन्होंने खुद को ध्वनि की दीवार के साथ सुना। इसी तरह की प्रतिक्रियाएं “रोजर फेडरर की सेवा करने के लिए” के तीसरे गेम से पहले चेयर अंपायर की घोषणा पर ही पहुंचीं और फिर जब उन्होंने 117 मील प्रति घंटे की सेवा विजेता के साथ उस गेम को बंद कर दिया।

डबल्स को निश्चित रूप से बहुत कम आंदोलन और कोर्ट कवरेज की आवश्यकता होती है, इसलिए शुक्रवार को उनके घुटने पर तनाव सीमित था। फेडरर ने अपने पुराने स्वभाव का स्पर्श दिखाया, सुनिश्चित होने के लिए, और जंग का, जैसा कि अपेक्षित था।

जैसे ही उसके माता-पिता और पत्नी बेसलाइन के पीछे आगे की सीटों पर बैठे थे, कुछ शुरुआती फोरहैंड थे जो कई फीट बहुत लंबे थे। एक फोरहैंड भी था जो सॉक और टियाफो के बीच में फिसल गया था और सच होने के लिए बहुत अच्छा लग रहा था – और, यह निकला, था: गेंद नेट टेप के नीचे एक अंतर के माध्यम से चली गई और इसलिए फेडरर और नडाल से बिंदु दूर ले जाया गया।

हालांकि यह अनिवार्य रूप से एक गौरवशाली प्रदर्शनी थी, लेकिन सभी चार युगल प्रतिभागियों ने इस तरह खेला जैसे कि वे जीतना चाहते हैं। यह तब स्पष्ट था जब एक विशेष रूप से भयानक वॉली के बाद सॉक ने छलांग लगाई और चिल्लाया या जब टियाफो ने फेडरर और नडाल पर कुछ शॉट भेजे।

लेकिन परिस्थितियों ने उत्कटता के क्षणों की अनुमति दी।

फेडरर और नडाल कुछ असमंजस के बाद हंसने में सक्षम थे, जिस पर वे हार गए एक गेंद के लिए जाना चाहिए। नडाल द्वारा पोस्ट के चारों ओर एक बैक-टू-द-नेट शॉट फ़्लिक करने के बाद, केवल इसे बमुश्किल चौड़ा करने के लिए, टियाफो ने प्रयास के लिए बधाई के साथ हाथ बढ़ाने के लिए पार किया।

पहले सेट में, खेल के दो महान खिलाड़ी अंकों के बीच एक-दूसरे को बिल्कुल नहीं सुन सकते थे, इसलिए फेडरर नडाल से परामर्श करने के लिए नेट से वापस बेसलाइन की ओर बढ़े, फिर प्रशंसकों को संकेत देने के लिए अपने कान की ओर इशारा किया कि समस्या क्या थी .

फेडरर से पहले, सबसे बड़ी टेनिस चैंपियनशिप के लिए पुरुषों का चिह्न पीट सम्प्रास द्वारा 14 था। फेडरर ने विंबलडन में आठ, ऑस्ट्रेलियन ओपन में छह, यूएस ओपन में पांच और फ्रेंच ओपन में एक जमा करते हुए, एक नया मानक स्थापित किया, जिसमें नडाल, अब 22 के साथ, और नोवाक जोकोविच ने 21 के साथ बराबरी की, फिर आगे निकल गए। , खेल के लिए एक स्वर्ण युग के हिस्से के रूप में।

फेडरर के पर्याप्त रिज्यूमे में एटीपी रैंकिंग में नंबर 1 पर 310 सप्ताह, डेविस कप खिताब और ओलंपिक पदक शामिल हैं। एक रैकेट चलाने के दौरान लालित्य और प्रभावशीलता से परे, उनके व्यक्तित्व ने फेडरर को टेनिस के लिए एक राजदूत बना दिया, जिसकी अपार लोकप्रियता ने प्रशंसकों को आकर्षित करने में मदद की।

निश्चित रूप से, ऐसे लोग हैं जिन्होंने फेडरर को नडाल से नेट पर खत्म होते देखना विशेष रूप से उपयुक्त पाया होगा, जो अक्सर एक ऑन-कोर्ट नेमसिस लेकिन अंततः एक ऑफ-कोर्ट मित्र होता है। हो सकता है कि यह लगभग 15 मील दूर ऑल इंग्लैंड क्लब के सेंटर कोर्ट में, या रोलांड गैरोस के कोर्ट फिलिप चैटियर में, या मेलबर्न पार्क में रॉड लेवर एरिना, या यहां तक ​​​​कि यूएस ओपन के केंद्र बिंदु आर्थर ऐश स्टेडियम में हो सकता है। , अकेला ग्रैंड स्लैम टूर्नामेंट जिसमें उन्होंने कभी किसी तरह का सामना नहीं किया।

शायद वे सभी को आमने-सामने के मैचअप की एक अंतिम किस्त प्रदान कर सकते थे जैसा कि उनके खेल के लंबे इतिहास में किसी भी यादगार के रूप में – या, वास्तव में, कोई अन्य।

रोजर बनाम राफा – केवल एक नाम की आवश्यकता है – मैकेनरो बनाम बोर्ग (जैसा कि होता है, दो लेवर कप टीम के कप्तान, जॉन और ब्योर्न), एवर्ट बनाम नवरातिलोवा, सम्प्रास बनाम अगासी, अली बनाम फ्रैजियर के साथ है। , मैजिक बनाम बर्ड, ब्रैडी बनाम मैनिंग, और इसी तरह।

इन वर्षों में, फेडरर और नडाल ने अपने 40 मैचों में व्यक्तिगत महानता और सम्मोहक विरोधाभास दिखाया, ग्रैंड स्लैम टूर्नामेंट में 14, प्रमुख फाइनल में नौ: राइट बनाम लेफ्टी, हमलावर बनाम ग्राइंडर, सहजता बनाम अथक तीव्रता।

और फिर भी, इन दो आदमियों के साथ कविता का एक अचूक तत्व था, जिन्होंने एक-दूसरे को चुनौती दी और एक-दूसरे को साझेदार के रूप में प्रदर्शन करते हुए, हथेलियों को थप्पड़ मारते हुए और मुस्कान साझा करते हुए ऊपर उठाया।

“दो ‘बकरियां’ एक साथ खेल रही हैं,” सॉक ने “सर्वकालिक महानतम” के लिए लोकप्रिय परिवर्णी शब्द का उपयोग करते हुए कहा।

यह अलविदा 23 प्रमुख एकल चैंपियनशिप की मालकिन सेरेना विलियम्स को तीन हफ्ते पहले यूएस ओपन में तीसरे दौर की हार के बाद मिली थी। यह एक ऐसे खेल के भविष्य के बारे में सवाल छोड़ता है, जिस पर वह और वह दशकों तक हावी रहे, और आगे बढ़े।

एक महत्वपूर्ण अंतर: हर बार जब विलियम्स ने न्यूयॉर्क में अदालत में कदम रखा, तो यह सवाल उठता था कि उनका प्रवास कितने समय तक चलेगा – एक “जीत या यह है” संभावना। शुक्रवार फेडरर के लिए था, नतीजा कोई भी हो।

सॉक को 6-4, 5-7, 10-7 से हराने वाले कैस्पर रूड ने कहा, “सभी खिलाड़ी उसे मिस करेंगे।”

अन्य परिणाम, जिसने टीम यूरोप और टीम वर्ल्ड को 2-2 से बराबरी पर छोड़ दिया: स्टेफानोस सित्सिपास ने डिएगो श्वार्ट्जमैन को 6-2, 6-1 से हराया, एक मैच में थोड़ी देर के लिए बाधित हो गया जब एक पर्यावरण रक्षक ने कोर्ट के एक हिस्से और अपनी बांह को आग लगा दी। , और एलेक्स डी मिनौर ने एंडी मरे को 5-7, 6-3, 10-7 से हराया।

मरे की हार की समाप्ति के तुरंत बाद खेलना शुरू करने के कारण, फेडरर और नडाल ने पहले उन्हें कुछ कोचिंग टिप्स प्रदान किए, फिर उस एक का हिस्सा टीवी पर एक साथ अखाड़े के एक कमरे में देखा, अपनी बारी का इंतजार कर रहे थे। जब फेडरर और नडाल एक्शन में थे, तब रणनीतिक सलाह देने की बारी जोकोविच की थी।

आखिरी तूफान फेडरर के लिए कुल 103 कैरियर एकल ट्राफियां और एकल मैचों में 1,251 जीत के बाद आया था, दोनों ओपन युग में जिमी कोनर्स के बाद दूसरे स्थान पर थे, जो 1968 में शुरू हुआ था।

अपनी शक्तियों के चरम पर, फेडरर 2005-07 से लगातार 10 ग्रैंड स्लैम फाइनल में, आठ जीतकर, रिकॉर्ड में दिखाई दिए। इसे 2010 तक बढ़ाएँ, और वह 19 में से 18 प्रमुख फ़ाइनल में पहुँचे।

उन संख्याओं से अधिक, लोगों को शक्तिशाली फोरहैंड, एक हाथ वाला बैकहैंड, निर्दोष फुटवर्क, शानदार प्रभावी सेवा और नेट पर जाने की उत्सुकता, अपने खेल के पहलुओं को फिर से खोजने की इच्छा और – जिस हिस्से पर उन्हें गर्व है, याद रहेगा। – असामान्य दीर्घायु।

“मुझे नहीं लगता कि हम रोजर जैसा दूसरा आदमी देखेंगे,” टियाफो ने कहा। “जिस तरह से उन्होंने खेला, और जिस कृपा से उन्होंने इसे किया, और वह एक व्यक्ति के रूप में कौन हैं।”

Originally published at Pen 18

world cup: Not winning a World Cup title is retiring Jhulan Goswami’s only regret

India’s fast bowling great Jhulan Goswami, preparing for his final international match on Friday, said not winning the ODI World Cup would be a “only regret” in his two-decade career.

Goswami will retire after the third ODI against England at the prestigious Lord’s on Saturday.

An emotional Goswami said that she is grateful to the sport for giving her name and fame, but not having a World Cup trophy in her cabinet will remain an un-tick box.

The Indian team finished second during the 2005 and 2017 editions of the 50-over World Cup.

“I have played two World Cup finals, if we would have won at least one, it would have been great for me and the team. Everyone works for that goal. We played 2-3 finals, but we didn’t. May you win, that is my only regret,” the 39-year-old pacer said before the third and final clash.

“You prepare for the World Cup for four years. It’s a lot of hard work. For every cricketer, winning the World Cup is a dream come true moment. But from where I see it, the graph of women’s cricket has only gone up. .

“When I started I never thought of playing for so long. It was a great experience. I am lucky to have played this game.

“Honestly, having a humble background and coming from a small town like Chakdah (in Nadia district of West Bengal), I had no idea about women’s cricket and working professional setup. I am very lucky, my Thanks to the family and parents, they always supported me,” she said.

Goswami said that receiving the India cap was the most memorable moment of his cricketing journey.

“My best memory is when I got the India cap from my captain and bowled the first over because I never thought (that I would play for India). The journey was tough as I had to travel two and a half hours by a local. Train one way every day to train.”

She recalled how the 1997 Women’s World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand at the Garden of Eden, which was watched by around 90,000 people, fueled her ambitions.

“In 1997, I was a ball girl at the Eden Gardens, where I saw my first Women’s World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand. From that day on, my dream was to represent India,” she said.

As Goswami walks into the sunset, the BCCI is set to launch a women’s IPL sometime next year, but the stalwart has not made up his mind whether she will be a part of the T20 tournament.

“As of now, I have not decided because as of now, the official announcement of Women’s IPL has not been made. We are hopeful that it may come in the coming season. Let’s wait for the official announcement and then I will take a decision. This time I am finishing my career in international cricket. I have enjoyed it every time.”

Plagued by injuries after the 2017 World Cup, Goswami said that she had been contemplating retirement for the past few years.

“Well, after the World Cup (2017), in the last 2 years I was always thinking that each series could be my last. I was going through a lot of injuries and it was not easy. I was taking series by series .

“After the World Cup, I thought the Sri Lanka tour (in July) would be my last series but I got injured. So the England tour was my last option. So I went back to the NCA, got quite fit and played my last game. Thought about the series in England,” she said.

With India taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, Goswami is now looking to end his illustrious career on a high note.

“It is very important to end the tour on a high note and continue the way we have been playing in the last 2 matches.”

Goswami said that she will miss the national anthem and singing the Indian jersey.

“The best moment for me was to come out of the dressing room and sing the national anthem and wear the India jersey. I will miss those things. But everything in life has to end somewhere. I am glad that I served the country honestly. And 20 years of dedication.”

Goswami said that Indian fast bowling is now in safe hands.

“India has one of the best seam bowling attacks at the moment. We are improving. Indian cricket now gives a lot of importance to fast bowling. Seam bowling is an art, it’s a long process.”

Goswami also spoke a lot about his long association with retired Mithali Raj.

“Obviously Mithali and I have played together since the U19 days, we had a great relationship both on and off the field. But it was bringing Team India to a different length and today it is completely different.

“It’s a journey, we believed we could change the face of women’s cricket, we believed we could be among the top three-four teams in the world and it was not a one-day process, it was a long process, “He said.

Originally published at Pen 18