Richa Ghosh Honored with Gold-Plated Bat & Ball by CAB

Kolkata, Nov 5 (PTI) The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) is set to bestow a unique honor on India wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, presenting her with a specially crafted gold-plated bat and ball during a grand felicitation ceremony at Eden Gardens on Saturday in recognition of her remarkable performance in the Women's World Cup.

Richa played a pivotal role in India's historic victory, amassing 235 runs across eight innings at a striking rate of 133.52—the highest in the tournament—and securing her place among the team's top five run-scorers.

The bat and ball, adorned with signatures from former India captain Sourav Ganguly and pace legend Jhulan Goswami, are being awarded to her as a tribute to her "outstanding achievements and invaluable contribution to Indian cricket."

In a release, CAB president Ganguly expressed pride in honoring Richa, who has brought glory to Bengal and India with her fearless performances. He remarked, "Richa has shown remarkable talent, composure, and fighting spirit on the world stage. Honouring her with this gold bat and ball is a small token of our recognition for her extraordinary contribution to Indian cricket. She is an inspiration for every young cricketer in Bengal and across the country."

The 22-year-old cricketer from Siliguri, batting at No. 7, contributed crucial late-order runs, notably a whirlwind 34 off 24 balls in the final against South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium, where India triumphed over Laura Wolvaardt’s side by 52 runs.

Throughout the tournament, Richa smashed 12 sixes, equaling Deandra Dottin's record for the most sixes in a single Women's World Cup.

As the second wicketkeeper from Siliguri to represent India following Wriddhiman Saha, Richa's accolades now include the Women's World Cup, U-19 World Cup, Women’s Premier League title, Asian Games gold, and Commonwealth Games silver.

The CAB celebrated Richa’s journey from Siliguri to international prominence, depicting her rise as a testament to discipline, dedication, and self-belief.

They expressed hope that her recognition would serve as inspiration for a new generation of girls in Bengal to take up cricket and chase their dreams.

Richa, the daughter of club-level cricketer turned umpire Manabendra Ghosh, had her talent recognized early, at just eight years old.

She joined the Bengal U-19 team at 12, advanced to the U-23 team the same season, and debuted for the senior side at 13. Initially a genuine all-rounder, Richa opened both the batting and bowling, sharing the new ball duties with Jhulan Goswami while also taking on wicketkeeping responsibilities.

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