xtratime Logo

[caption id="attachment_25833" align="alignnone" width="580"] Jhulan Goswami has been ranked the No. 1 bowler in the latest ODI rankings released by ICC.[/caption] Kolkata: It has been quite a remarkable journey for Indian women cricketer Jhulan Goswami. At 33, when most women cricketers are contemplating retirement, unfazed Goswami continues as the undisputed leader of India's pace attack. Regarded as one of the fastest bowler in women’s circuit, Jhulan is just 5 wickets away from achieving the milestone of the leading wicket-taker in international cricket. Australia’s Catherine Fitzpatrick leads the list with 180 wickets. In the latest ODI rankings released by the International Cricket Council (ICC) the women cricketer from Chakdaha heads the table with 730 points followed by Sarah Taylor with 651 points. In an interview with xtratime.in Jhulan speaks about her journey, early days, spearheading Indian attack for a decade, nearing a milestone of leading wicket taker and her dream to win ICC World Cup for the country. Here are the excerpts: XT: Congratulations for topping the list of women bowlers in ODI’s. Jhulan: Thanks. It’s been a very good year for me. I was selected the woman player of the tournament in Australia beginning of the year and now to be heading the table, feels great. XT: You are just five wickets away from achieving the milestone of highest wicket taker in women’s cricket. Are you excited at the prospect? Jhulan: I could have achieved that in Australia had catches were not dropped of my bowling. But they are all part of the game. We have a series coming up against West Indies next month followed by Asia Cup in Thailand. I will look to achieve the milestone in that series. XT: At 33 years, with nearly 15 years of international cricket, what keeps you going? Jhulan: My biggest motivation is to play for the country. I have always cherished the India cap. And don’t they say, age is just a number. XT: What has been the secret of your success, competing with the youngsters in the current India team? Jhulan: It’s not rocket science. I have tried to keep it very simple. Basic is to keep on hard working and stay focused with whatever you are doing. I have always identified my role in the team and mentally prepared myself. Maintaining my fitness has also been key for lasting this long. XT: Not winning a World Cup for the country. Is that the biggest disappointment in your life? Jhulan: I do have an opportunity next year as we play the World Cup in England. Last time we came very close to winning was in 2005 in South Africa when we were comprehensively outplayed by Australia. XT: You were the Women’s Cricketer of the Year in 2008. And now you are ranked the best bowler in ODI’s. How do you keep yourself motivated? Jhulan: Since ICC started its ranking system, I have never dropped below No 5 in bowlers rankings. I have always tried to follow the fitness regime and prepared myself for international cricket. XT: What has been the turning point of your career? Jhulan: I would say joining Air India in 2000 was the biggest turning point in my career. I played a lot of competitive matches with the boys and that helped me develop my game. Then training under Tarak Sinha at Sonet Club in Delhi back in 2002-03 was also an important phase in my career. I used to stay in Delhi and visit the club on Saturdays and Sundays. XT: Lastly who would you dedicate this achievement? Jhulan: I would dedicate this achievement to my family and my first coach Swapan Sadhu. I would also like to thank all my coaches who I have played under in shaping my career.