New Delhi, Nov 6 (PTI) Pacer Kranti Goud recently shared her remarkable journey from Madhya Pradesh's remote Ghuwara village to joining the Indian women's cricket team, a path she embarked upon almost by accident. At just 22, Goud made a significant impact by taking nine wickets at an average of 18.55 during India's historic World Cup victory, including a standout three-wicket haul against Pakistan which earned her the 'Player of the Match' award.
Goud openly admitted, "I didn't even know there was a women's cricket team," reflecting on her early ignorance of the sport's structure as she prepared for a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi. This came on the heels of a celebratory encounter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a significant milestone for Goud who debuted for India only a few months earlier in May.
Expressing her pride, she said, "This was my first World Cup, and now we're world champions. It's a matter of immense pride for me, my family, and the entire nation."
Raised far from the spotlight, Goud initially observed boys playing cricket near her home, only joining them when they were short a player. Although she started as a fielder, Goud soon began to mimic their playing style, opting for pace bowling without any knowledge of spin bowling.
It was during a local leather ball tournament that she met Rajiv Bilthre, a pivotal figure in her career who recognized her potential and brought her into the formal cricket setup. "He asked if I wanted to play international cricket—I didn't even know girls could do that," Goud recounted. Within a short span, she advanced through senior divisions and joined the under-19 state team.
Goud's journey was not without obstacles. Coming from a conservative background, she faced social resistance, but her success has since won over her skeptics. "They used to question why I was playing with boys. Now, those same people are applauding my achievements," she said with pride.
Discussing her bowling strategy, Goud explained, "I focus on simplicity, just implementing what my coaches advise. It's mainly about maintaining a good stump line."
Finally, she shared a memorable anecdote from her meeting with Prime Minister Modi. "I told him my brother admires him a lot, and the Prime Minister promised to meet him someday," she fondly concluded.
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