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Debasis Sen: The biggest motivation for ace Indian women’s cricketer Jhulan Goswami is to win the 2021 World Cup in New Zealand next year. For 37 year old Jhulan, it will perhaps be the last opportunity to win a team medal at an ICC event. The former ICC cricketer of the year and curently world’s highest wicket taker in women’s ODI cricket is hoping that the cricketers soon get a chance to train outdoors after being locked inside the residence for almost three months due to COVID-19 pandemic. The ‘Chakdaha Express’ caught up with Xtra Time in a freewheeling chat:

Q) How are you looking forward to the World Cup next year in New Zealand?

Jhulan) The biggest motivation for me right now is to do well in the 2021 World Cup next year. It was heartening to know that ICC has no plans to postpone the event. I am focusing on my training and also doing a lot of mediation to keeping myself fit during the lockdown.

Q) It has been so close yet so far during the 2017 World Cup when the team lost to England at Lords.

Jhulan) Yes, the disappointment of not winning the 2017 is still there. But as a professional cricketer we have taken it in our stride. In fact we have failed to win two finals now. So we all should start focusing on doing well in the tournament next year.

Q) Considering it may be your last World Cup, you would definitely want to leave on a high. Have at any stage considered hanging your boots after the World Cup next year?

Jhulan) I have not thought about it in my life. I am mainly focusing on my job now. The 2021 World Cup will be big for women’s cricket. All I want to concentrate is on my cricket now rather than thinking about the future.

Q) You have decided to play only in the 50 over format. So how challenging is to for you to keep yourself fit now that there is no competitive cricket for almost seven months?

Jhulan) The challenge will be there wherever you play even in club level cricket. Each and every day is a challenge for a sports person. Preparation is important as I have not played any competitive cricket for a long time. The coronavirus pandemic has also forced everyone not to train outdoors. I will not have much time to prepare. The key will be to adapt quickly.

Q) ICC recently has put a ban on using saliva on the cricket ball. How is it going to affect the fast bowlers like you?

Jhulan) One thing you have to understand using saliva was not in the rules. But it has been a practice. We grew up watching bowlers using saliva and sweat to maintain the ball. We have to accept the rule change. As far as white ball cricket is concerned, it will not have much effect as we use two new balls these days. We haven’t played without using saliva. We have to experiment it in the nets. It will be a bit difficult to reverse swing. The matter has been discussed within the team. It will take some time to adapt to a new thing. We are all looking forward to the series between England and West Indies. Until and unless you get down practicing you will never know.

Q) Talking about the current crop of fast bowlers, how do you look at the future of fast bowlers in women’s cricket in India?

Jhulan) There is a lot of talent. They need to be looked after well. They have a lot of quality. But important thing is how you nurture them for big matches. I play domestic cricket for Bengal and I have noticed almost every team has one or two good talented cricketers. There needs to be a pool of 15-20 cricketers. Considering the growth of women cricket, we need to have an intense program. The likes of Shikha Pandey, Pooja Vastrakar, Mansi Joshi, Shubhlakshmi Sharma, Sukanya Parida are all doing well. They need to be given opportunities and given a fair go.

Q) How do you describe your journey from Chakdaha to being the highest wicket taker in women’s cricket?

Jhulan) I have never thought about this in my life. I just wanted to play one match for the country. I dreamt of picking my first international wicket. I remember having to fight with my parents to take the sport. Now when I look back I feel I have done something good so as to come here. I want to motivate the present generation of cricketers. If I can inspire any one of them to do well for the country, I will think it as a big success.