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WPL23 Auction Takeaways: Women’s Premier League List of Players Sold, Squads, Surprises, Exclusions, and More!

WPL23 Auction had its share of drama and despair. The Women’s Premier League was delayed at least 3-5 years, but it is finally here.

Today we have the ultimate resource on WPL23 Auction—The entire list of auction buys (in both Indian Rupee and US dollars), most expensive buys & unsold players, team squads, predicted XIs, analysis, and more!

Table of Contents

Also Read: 76 Greatest Women Cricketers of All Time: Who are the top female cricketers in history?, What Can Ellyse Perry Not Do?

Big Takeaways & Highlights from WPL23 Auction

  • The top 5 most expensive players at the WPL23 auction were Smriti Mandhana (INR 3.4 Crore), Ashleigh Gardner (INR 3.2 Crore), Nat Sciver-Brunt (INR 3.2 Crore), Deepti Sharma (INR 2.4 Crore), and Jemimah Rodrigues (INR 2.2 Crore).
  • Tara Norris (USA) was the only player selected from an Associate Nation. Mahika Gaur from UAE was bid by Gujarat Giants for INR 10 Lakh. However, Giants had already completed their overseas quota. Hence, the bid was taken back and sadly, Gaur was not selected.
  • 449 cricketers (270 Indian, 179 overseas) players put their name in the Women’s Premier League Auction 2023. The breakdown of the overseas players was as follows (31 England, 29 Australia, 23 West Indies, 19 New Zealand, 17 South Africa, 15 Sri Lanka, 11 Zimbabwe, 9 Thailand & Bangladesh, 6 Ireland, 4 UAE, 2 Netherlands & Scotland, and 1 USA & Hong Kong).
  • Alice Capsey, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Bell, Heather Knight, Sophia Dunkley, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Issy Wong (7 England), Ashleigh Gardner, Meg Lanning, Alyssa Healy, Tahlia McGrath, Grace Harris, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Erin Burns, Jess Jonassen, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Heather Graham, Georgia Wareham, Laura Harris (14 Australian), Marizanne Kapp, Shabnim Ismail, Dane van Niekerk, Chloe Tryon (4 South African), Tara Norris (1 USA), Deandra Dottin, Hayley Matthews (2 West Indies), Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (2 New Zealand) are the 30 foreign players picked for WPL 23 auction.

20 Cricketers for Whom Teams Broke the Bank at the WPL23 Auction

  1. Smriti Mandhana – INR 3.4 Crore ($415,000)
  2. Ashleigh Gardner – INR 3.2 Crore ($390,000)
  3. Nat Sciver-Brunt – INR 3.2 Crore ($390,000)
  4. Deepti Sharma – INR 2.4 Crore ($317,000)
  5. Jemimah Rodrigues – INR 2.2 Crore ($268,000)
  6. Shafali Verma – INR 2 Crore ($244,000)
  7. Beth Mooney – INR 2 Crore ($244,000)
  8. Pooja Vastrakar – INR 1.9 Crore ($232,000)
  9. Richa Ghosh – INR 1.9 Crore ($232,000)
  10. Harmanpreet Kaur – INR 1.8 Crore ($220,000)
  11. Sophie Ecclestone – INR 1.8 Crore ($220,000)
  12. Ellyse Perry – INR 1.7 Crore ($207,000)
  13. Renuka Singh Thakur – INR 1.5 Crore ($183,000)
  14. Marizanne Kapp – INR 1.5 Crore ($183,000)
  15. Yastika Bhatia – INR 1.5 Crore ($183,000)
  16. Tahlia McGrath – INR 1.4 Crore ($171,000)
  17. Devika Vaidya – INR 1.4 Crore ($171,000)
  18. Meg Lanning – INR 1.1 Crore ($134,000)
  19. Shabnim Ismail – INR 1 Crore ($122,000)
  20. Amelia Kerr – INR 1 Crore ($122,000)

13 Unlucky Prominent Players that were Left Unsold at the WPL23 Auction

  1. Katherine Sciver-Brunt (England): Base Price – 50 Lakhs ($61,000)
  2. Danni Wyatt (England): Base Price – 50 Lakhs ($61,000)
  3. Alana King (Australia): Base Price – 40 Lakhs ($49,000)
  4. Amy Jones (England): Base Price – 40 Lakhs ($49,000)
  5. Priya Punia (India): Base Price – 40 Lakhs ($49,000)
  6. Suzie Bates (New Zealand): Base Price – 30 Lakhs ($37,000)
  7. Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka): Base Price – 30 Lakhs ($37,000)
  8. Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa): Base Price – 30 Lakhs ($37,000)
  9. Tammy Beaumont (England): Base Price – 30 Lakhs ($37,000)
  10. Lea Tahuhu (New Zealand): Base Price – 30 Lakhs ($37,000)
  11. Salma Khatun (Bangladesh): Base Price – 40 Lakhs ($49,000)
  12. Jahanara Alam (Bangladesh): Base Price – 30 Lakhs ($37,000)
  13. Ayabonga Khaka (South Africa): Base Price – 30 Lakhs ($37,000)

WPL23 (Women’s Premier League 2023) Complete Squads

Delhi Capitals Women Squad

  • Indian Internationals: Jemimah Rodrigues, Taniya Bhatia (WK), Shikha Pandey, Poonam Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, Sneha Deepthi
  • Foreign: Alice Capsey (England), Meg Lanning, Jess Jonassen, Laura Harris (Australia), Marizanne Kapp (South Africa), Tara Norris (USA)
  • Indian Uncapped: Jasia Akhtar, Minnu Mani, Aparna Mondal
  • India U-19 WC Winner: Titas Sadhu

Expected XI: 1. Shafali Verma, 2. Jemimah Rodrigues, 3. Alice Capsey, 4. Meg Lanning, 5. Marizanne Kapp, 6. Taniya Bhatia (WK), 7. Radha Yadav, 8. Shikha Pandey, 9. Jess Jonassen, 10. Poonam Yadav, 11. Arundhati Reddy

Head Coach: Jonathan Batty

Staff: Jonathan Batty, Hemalata Kala, Lisa Keightley, Biu George

Look out for the Delhi Capitals. The Top 5 are one of the strongest in the WPL and quite a bit of international talent in the bowling department as well. A possible X-factor is the fast bowling trio in Kapp-Pandey-Reddy to back up their batters and spinners.

Gujarat Giants Women Squad

  • Indian Internationals: Sneh Rana, Harleen Deol, Dayalan Hemalatha, Mansi Joshi, Sushma Verma (WK), Sabbhineni Meghana, Monica Patel
  • Foreign: Deandra Dottin (West Indies), Sophia Dunkley (England), Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham (Australia)
  • Indian Uncapped: Ashwani Kumari, Tanuja Kanwar
  • India U-19 WC Winner: Hurley Gala, Shabnam MD Shakil, Parunika Sisodia

Expected XI: 1. Sophia Dunkley, 2. Sabbhineni Meghana, 3. Beth Mooney, 4. Deandre Dottin, 5. Dayalan Hemalatha, 6., Ashleigh Gardner, 7. Sushma Verma (WK), 8. Sneh Rana, 9. Harleen Deol, 10. Monica Patel, 11. Mansi Joshi

Head Coach: Rachael Haynes

Staff: Nooshin Al Khadeer, Tushar Arothe, Mithali Raj

Good Indian contingent with a decent possible XI, but may struggle to find replacements. Ash Gardner, Sneh Rana, and Harleen Deol might be a handful allrounders with their offspinners especially handy in Mumbai conditions.

Also Read: 20 Years of Mithali Raj And Jhulan Goswami: Eternal Legends for Indian & Women Cricket

Mumbai Indians Women Squad

  • Indian Internationals: Yastika Bhatia, Harmanpreet Kaur, Pooja Vastrakar, Amanjot Kaur
  • Foreign: Amelia Kerr (New Zealand), Hayley Matthews (West Indies), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Issy Wong (England), Chloe Tryon (South Africa), Heather Graham (Australia)
  • Indian Uncapped: Priyanka Bala, Neelam Bisht, Dhara Gujjar, Saika Ishaque, Humaira Kazi, Jintamani Kalita
  • India WC U-19 Winner: Sonam Yadav

Expected XI: 1. Yastika Bhatia (WK), 2. Hayley Matthews, 3. Amelia Kerr, 4. Harmanpreet Kaur (C), 5. Nat Sciver-Brunt, 6. Amanjot Kaur, 7. Humaira Kazi, 8. Pooja Vastrakar, 9. Saika Ishaque, 10. Issy Wong, 11. Sonam Yadav

Head Coach: Charlotte Edwards

Staff: Jhulan Goswami, Devieka Palshikaar

Great overseas players – the versatility of Matthews, Kerr, and Nat Sciver-Brunt will be key for Mumbai’s chances. Yastika Bhatia, Harmanpreet, and Pooja Vastrakar also give Mumbai a solid Indian core. However, the fast bowling is a bit light for a T20 squad. Has a good chance to be in the Top 3.

Royal Challengers Bangalore Women Squad

  • Indian Internationals: Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh (U-19 Winner), Renuka Singh, Preeti Bose
  • Foreign: Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Erin Burns (Australia), Sophie Devine (New Zealand), Heather Knight (England), Dane van Niekerk (South Africa)
  • Indian Uncapped: Indrani Roy (WK), Kanika Ahuja, Sobhana Asha, Poonam Khemnar, Disha Kasat, Shreyanka Patil, Sahana Pawar, Komal Zanzad

Expected XI: 1. Smriti Mandhana (C), 2. Ellyse Perry, 3. Sophie Devine, 4. Dane van Niekerk, 5. Indrani Roy (WK), 6. Richa Ghosh, 7. Shreyanka Patil, 8. Megan Schutt, 9. Komal Zanzad, 10. Renuka Singh, 11. Preeti Bose

Head Coach: Ben Sawyer

Staff: Malolan Rangarajan, VR Vanitha, RX Murali, Sania Mirza*

RCB has all the ingredients for a successful WPL campaign, but what will their XI be? They have a star-studded overseas stars in Perry, Devine, van Niekerk, Megan Schutt, Heather Knight, and more, but they can only pick 4 in the XI. The lower batting order is of concern, but that aside, this is a side that should make the final.

*Note: Sania Mirza is picked as a team mentor for RCB.

UP Warriorz Women Squad

  • Indian Internationals: Deepti Sharma, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Anjali Sarvani, Kiran Prabhu Navgire, Devika Vaidya
  • Foreign: Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Bell (England), Alyssa Healy, Tahlia McGrath, Grace Harris (Australia), Shabnim Ismail (South Africa)
  • Indian Uncapped: Soppadhandi Venugopal Yashasri, Simran Shaikh, Laxmi Yadav
  • India U-19 WC Winner: Parshavi Chopra, Shweta Sehrawat

Expected XI: 1. Alyssa Healy (WK), 2. Shweta Sehrawat, 3. Kiran Prabhu Navgire, 4. Tahlia McGrath, 5. Deepti Sharma (C), 6. Devika Vaidya, 7. Sophie Ecclestone, 8. Parshavi Chopra, 9. Anjali Sarvani, 10. Shabnim Ismail, 11. Rajeshwari Gayakwad

Head Coach: Jon Lewis

Staff: Anju Jain, Ashley Noffke, Lisa Sthalekar

Only one word comes to mind when we look at the UP Warriorz squad—Balance. Good depth of all-rounders and stars in Alyssa Healy, Deepti Sharmi, Tahlia McGrath, Ecclestone, Ismail, Gayakwad. Good pick of spinners, fast bowlers, Indian nationals, overseas talent, and U-19 World Cup winners. Could be a dark-horse.

Also Read: What If India Won 2017 ICC Cricket World Cup?, #Controversy Alert: Who Cares About Women’s Cricket Anyway?

WPL23 Auction – Prices & List of Players Sold (As It Happened)

WPL23 Auction Round 1 – Marquee Set #1

PlayerInternational TeamFranchisePrice Sold (Indian Rupees)US Dollar Conversion
Smriti MandhanaIndiaRoyal Challengers BangaloreINR 3.4 Crore$415,000
Harmanpreet KaurIndiaMumbai IndiansINR 1.8 Crore$220,000
Sophie DevineNew ZealandRoyal Challengers BangaloreINR 50 Lakh$61,000
Ashley GardnerAustraliaGujarat GiantsINR 3.2 Crore$390,000
Ellyse PerryAustraliaRoyal Challengers BangaloreINR 1.7 Crore$207,000
Sophie EcclestoneEnglandUP WarriorzINR 1.8 Crore$220,000

List of Unsold Players in Round 1

  • Base price – INR 40 Lakhs ($49,000): Hayley Matthews

WPL23 Auction Round 2 – Marquee Set #2

PlayerInternational TeamFranchisePrice Sold (Indian Rupees)US Dollar Conversion
Deepti SharmaIndiaUP WarriorzINR 2.4 Crore$317,000
Renuka SinghIndiaRoyal Challengers BangaloreINR 1.5 Crore$183,000
Nat Sciver-BruntEnglandMumbai IndiansINR 3.2 Crore$390,000
Tahlia McGrathAustraliaUP WarriorzINR 1.4 Crore$171,000
Beth MooneyAustraliaGujarat GiantsINR 2 Crore$244,000
Shabnim IsmailSouth AfricaUP WarriorzINR 1 Crore$122,000
Amelia KerrNew ZealandMumbai IndiansINR 1 Crore$122,000

WPL23 Auction Round 3 – Batters

PlayerInternational TeamFranchisePrice Sold (Indian Rupees)US Dollar Conversion
Sophia DunkleyEnglandGujarat GiantsINR 60 Lakh$73,000
Jemimah RodriguesIndiaDelhi CapitalsINR 2.2 Crore$268,000
Meg LanningAustraliaDelhi CapitalsINR 1.1 Crore$134,000
Shafali VermaIndiaDelhi CapitalsINR 2 Crore$244,000

List of Unsold Players in Round 3

  • Base price – INR 30 Lakhs ($37,000): Suzie Bates, Tazmin Brits, Laura Wolvaardt, Tammy Beaumont

WPL23 Auction Round 4 – Allrounders

PlayerInternational TeamFranchisePrice Sold (Indian Rupees)US Dollar Conversion
Annabel SutherlandAustraliaGujarat GiantsINR 70 Lakh$85,000
Harleen DeolIndiaGujarat GiantsINR 40 Lakh$49,000
Pooja VastrakarIndiaMumbai IndiansINR 1.9 Crore$232,000
Deandra DottinWest IndiesGujarat GiantsINR 60 Lakh$73,000

List of Unsold Players in Round 4

  • Base price – INR 30 Lakhs ($37,000): Sune Luus, Chamari Athapaththu
  • Base price – INR 40 Lakhs ($49,000): Heather Knight
  • Base price – INR 50 Lakhs ($61,000): Danni Wyatt

WPL23 Auction Round 5 – Wicketkeepers

PlayerInternational TeamFranchisePrice Sold (Indian Rupees)US Dollar Conversion
Yastika BhatiaIndiaMumbai IndiansINR 1.5 Crore$183,000
Richa GhoshIndiaRoyal Challengers BangaloreINR 1.9 Crore$232,000
Alyssa HealyAustraliaUP WarriorzINR 70 Lakh$85,000

List of Unsold Players in Round 5

  • Base price – INR 30 Lakhs ($37,000): Anuska Sanjeewani (Sri Lanka), Bernadine Bezuidenhout (New Zealand), Taniya Bhatia, Sushma Verma
  • Base price – INR 40 Lakhs ($49,000): Amy Jones (England)

WPL23 Auction Round 6 & 7 – Bowlers

PlayerInternational TeamFranchisePrice Sold (Indian Rupees)US Dollar Conversion
Anjali SarvaniIndiaUP WarriorzINR 55 Lakh$67,000
Rajeshwari GayakwadIndiaUP WarriorzINR 40 Lakh$49,000

List of Unsold Players in Round 6 & 7

  • Base price – INR 30 Lakhs ($37,000): Poonam Yadav, Freya Davies, Sarah Glenn (England), Shamilia Connell, Shakera Selman, Afy Fletcher (West Indies), Jahanara Alam (Bangladesh), Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba (South Africa), Lea Tahuhu, Fran Jonas (New Zealand), Inoka Ranaweera (Sri Lanka)
  • Base price – INR 40 Lakhs ($49,000): Megan Schutt, Alana King (Australia)

WPL23 Auction Round 8 – Capped Allrounders

PlayerInternational TeamFranchisePrice Sold (Indian Rupees)US Dollar Conversion
Radha YadavIndiaDelhi CapitalsINR 40 Lakh$49,000
Shikha PandeyIndiaDelhi CapitalsINR 60 Lakh$73,000
Sneh RanaIndiaGujarat GiantsINR 75 Lakh$91,000
Marizanne KappSouth AfricaDelhi CapitalsINR 1.5 Crore$183,000

List of Unsold Players in Round 8

  • Base price – INR 10 Lakhs ($12,200): Hrishita Basu (India U-19)
  • Base price – INR 30 Lakhs ($37,000): Leigh Kasperek (New Zealand), Nadine de Klerk (South Africa)
  • Base price – INR 40 Lakhs ($49,000): Salma Khatun (Bangladesh)
  • Base price – INR 50 Lakhs ($61,000): Jess Jonassen (Australia)

WPL23 Auction Round 9 & 10 – Emerging Players

This list contains of U-19 players.

PlayerInternational TeamFranchisePrice Sold (Indian Rupees)US Dollar Conversion
Parshavi ChopraIndia UncappedUP WarriorzINR 10 Lakh$12,200
Titas SadhuIndia UncappedDelhi CapitalsINR 25 Lakh$30,000
Shweta SehrawatIndia UncappedUP WarriorzINR 40 Lakh$49,000
S YashasriIndia UncappedUP WarriorzINR 10 Lakh$12,200

List of Unsold Players in Rounds 9 & 10

  • Base price – INR 10 Lakhs: Soumya Tiwari, Archana Devi, G Trisha, Mannat Kashyap, Najla CMC, Shabnam MD, Hurley Gala, Sonam Yadav, Sonia Mendhiya, Falak Naz, Grace Scrivens (England)
  • Base price – INR 20 Lakhs: Shikha Shalot, Shorna Akhter (Bangladesh)

WPL23 Auction Round 11 – Accelerated Auction

PlayerInternational TeamFranchisePrice Sold (Indian Rupees)US Dollar Conversion
Kiran NavgireIndiaUP WarriorzINR 30 Lakh$37,000
Sabbhineni MeghanaIndiaGujarat GiantsINR 30 Lakh$37,000
Erin BurnsAustraliaRoyal Challengers BangaloreINR 30 Lakh$37,000
Heather GrahamAustraliaMumbai IndiansINR 30 Lakh$37,000
Grace HarrisAustraliaUP WarriorzINR 75 Lakh$91,000
Georgia WarehamAustraliaGujarat GiantsINR 75 Lakh$91,000
Alice CapseyEnglandDelhi CapitalsINR 75 Lakh$91,000
Mansi JoshiIndiaGujarat GiantsINR 30 Lakh$37,000
Issy WongEnglandMumbai IndiansINR 30 Lakh$37,000
Devika VaidyaIndiaUP WarriorzINR 1.4 Crore$171,000
Amanjot KaurIndiaMumbai IndiansINR 50 Lakh$61,000
Dayalan HemalathaIndiaGujarat GiantsINR 30 Lakh$37,000
Lauren BellEnglandUP WarriorzINR 30 Lakh$37,000
Monica PatelIndiaGujarat GiantsINR 30 Lakh$37,000
Laura HarrisAustraliaDelhi CapitalsINR 45 Lakh$55,000
Tara NorrisUSADelhi CapitalsINR 10 Lakh$12,200
Dhara GujjarIndia UncappedMumbai IndiansINR 10 Lakh$12,200
Jasia AkhtarIndia UncappedDelhi CapitalsINR 20 Lakh$24,000
Disha KasatIndia UncappedRoyal Challengers BangaloreINR 20 Lakh$12,200
Laxmi YadavIndia UncappedUP WarriorzINR 10 Lakh$12,200
Indrani RoyIndia UncappedRoyal Challengers BangaloreINR 10 Lakh$12,200
Minnu ManiIndia UncappedDelhi CapitalsINR 30 Lakh$37,000
Kanika AhujaIndia UncappedRoyal Challengers BangaloreINR 35 Lakh$43,000
Shreyanka PatilIndia UncappedRoyal Challengers BangaloreINR 10 Lakh$12,200
Tanuja KanwerIndia UncappedGujarat GiantsINR 50 Lakh$61,000
Asha ShobanaIndia UncappedRoyal Challengers BangaloreINR 10 Lakh$12,200
Saika IshaqueIndia UncappedMumbai IndiansINR 10 Lakh$12,200

List of Unsold Players in Round 11

  • Base price – INR 10 Lakhs ($12,200): Ishwari Savkar, Divya Gnanananda, Arushi Goel, Tarannum Pathan, Shipra Giri, Ashwani Kumari, Sajana S, Humaria Kazi, Nishu Choudhary, Parunika Sisodia, Kathryn Bryce, Sarah Bryce (Scotland)
  • Base price – INR 30 Lakhs ($37,000): Sneha Deepthi, Ekta Bisht, Preeti Bose, Simran Bahadur, Anuja Patil, Bharti Fulmali, Gouher Sultana, Swagathika Rath, Arundhati Reddy, Kim Garth (Ireland & Australia)
  • Base price – INR 40 Lakhs ($49,000): Priya Punia
  • Base price – INR 50 Lakhs ($61,000): Meghna Singh, Katherine Sciver-Brunt (England)

WPL23 Auction Round 12 – Accelerated Auction 2

This list contains of U-19 players.

PlayerInternational TeamFranchisePrice Sold (Indian Rupees)US Dollar Conversion
Hayley MatthewsWest IndiesMumbai IndiansINR 40 Lakh$49,000
Taniya BhatiaIndiaDelhi CapitalsINR 30 Lakh$37,000
Heather KnightEngland Royal Challengers BangaloreINR 40 Lakh$49,000
Sushma VermaIndia Gujarat GiantsINR 60 Lakh$73,000
Poonam YadavIndiaDelhi CapitalsINR 30 Lakh$37,000
Hurley GalaIndia UncappedGujarat GiantsINR 10 Lakh$12,200
Jess JonassenAustraliaDelhi CapitalsINR 50 Lakh$61,000
Sneha DeepthiIndiaDelhi CapitalsINR 30 Lakh$37,000
Arundhati ReddyIndiaDelhi CapitalsINR 30 Lakh$37,000
Dane van NiekerkSouth AfricaRoyal Challengers BangaloreINR 30 Lakh$37,000
Chloe TryonSouth AfricaMumbai IndiansIND 30 Lakh$37,000
Simran ShaikhIndia UncappedUP WarriorzIND 10 Lakh$12,200
Preeti BoseIndiaRoyal Challengers BangaloreINR 30 Lakh$37,000
Aparna MondalIndia UncappedDelhi CapitalsINR 10 Lakh$12,200
Ashwani KumarIndia UncappedGujarat GiantsINR 35 Lakh$42,700
Poonam KhemnarIndia UncappedRoyal Challengers BangaloreINR 10 Lakh$12,200
Humaira KaziIndia UncappedMumbai IndiansINR 10 Lakh$12,200
Komal ZanzadIndia UncappedRoyal Challengers BangaloreINR 25 Lakh$30,000
Priyanka BalaIndia UncappedMumbai IndiansINR 20 Lakh$24,000
Parunika SisodiaIndia UncappedGujarat GiantsINR 10 Lakh$12,200

List of Unsold Players in Rounds 12

  • Base price – INR 10 Lakhs ($12,200): Shabnam MD, Parushi Prabhakar, Ishwari Savkar, Nishu Choudhary, Neetu Singh, Neelam Bisht, Shipra Giri, Tess Flintoff (Australia)
  • Base price – INR 30 Lakhs ($37,000): Suzie Bates, Swagathika Rath
  • Base price – INR 40 Lakhs ($49,000): Alana King

WPL23 Auction Round 13

This list contains of U-19 players.

PlayerFranchisePrice Sold (Indian Rupees)US Dollar Conversion
Megan SchuttRoyal Challengers BangaloreINR 40 Lakh$49,000
Shabnam MDGujarat GiantsINR 10 Lakh$12,200
Sonam YadavMumbai IndiansINR 10 Lakh$12,200
Neelam BishtMumbai IndiansINR 10 Lakh$12,200
Jintamani KalitaMumbai IndiansINR 10 Lakh$12,200
Sahana PawarRoyal Challengers BangaloreINR 10 Lakh$12,200

Frequently Asked Questions – Get to Know the Players

Which foreign players were picked for the WPL23 auction?

Alice Capsey, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Bell, Heather Knight, Sophia Dunkley, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Issy Wong (England), Ashleigh Gardner, Meg Lanning, Alyssa Healy, Tahlia McGrath, Grace Harris, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Erin Burns, Jess Jonassen, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Heather Graham, Georgia Wareham, Laura Harris (Australia), Marizanne Kapp, Shabnim Ismail, Dane van Niekerk, Chloe Tryon (South Africa), Tara Norris (USA), Deandra Dottin, Hayley Matthews (West Indies), Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (New Zealand) are the foreign players picked for WPL 23 auction.

Who were the most expensive buys at the WPL23 auction?

The top 5 most expensive players at the WPL23 auction were Smriti Mandhana (INR 3.4 Crore), Ashleigh Gardner (INR 3.2 Crore), Nat Sciver-Brunt (INR 3.2 Crore), Deepti Sharma (INR 2.4 Crore), and Jemimah Rodrigues (INR 2.2 Crore).

Who were the most prominent unsold players at the WPL23 auction?

Katherine Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt, Alana King, Amy Jones, Priya Punia, Suzie Bates, Meghna Singh, Laura Woolvaardt, Lea Tahuhu, and Tammy Beaumont were the most prominent unsold players ath the Women’s Premier League 2023 auction.

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, LLC 2023. Originally published on 02/19/2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

5 Things We Learned from Cricket in CWG 2022

1. Cricket in Olympics Has Hope

Cricket at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth games was a watershed moment in world cricket.

With the ICC trying to push for cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 LA Olympics, women’s cricket at CWG was a trial run. No post-match presentation ceremonies, Barbados participating as a separate qualified nation, different Covid-19 protocols, and finally a ‘Gold Medal’ match for cricket.

The good news? It was more or less a success. The semi-finals, finals, and the Bronze medal match all went down to the wire. Unlike the rumored T10 format for the Olympics, it was nice to see that T20 did the job fairly well. The best of all – crowds were in!

Hosting a world wide tournament in England is one thing…in a non-Test cricket playing nation…that may be a different challenge altogether.

Also Read: USA Cricket – A Trillion Dollar Bet

2. The Gap in Women’s Cricket is Large

India, Australia, England, and New Zealand qualified for the semi-finals. With the exception of a NZ team (which was on a downfall earlier), this was not exactly was a surprise.

Sri Lanka were bowled out for 46 & 102, Barbados bundled out for 62 & 64, and Pakistan all out for 99. On the flip side, Australia chased 155 out of nowhere, and the big teams had 11 scores combined between 150-170.

3. Australia are Invincible

In the opening match of the tournament, Renuka Singh’s four wicket haul were struggling at 49/5, courtesy Renuka Singh’s 49/5.

Then, I tweeted this – a seemingly arrogant headline by ESPNCricinfo, already gifting the gold medal to Australia

And guess what? Ash Gardner scored an unbeaten 52*(35) to take Australia home with Grace Harris and Alana King providing strong support.

It seems that Gold is reserved for this Australian team. This team is invincible – ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, record streak of ODI wins, and now the Commonwealth Gold Medal.

This team is so strong that Ellyse Perry, yes the Ellyse Perry, sat on the sideline all tournament.

4. India lose out on nerves again, but is lack of WIPL the only reason?

India lost the final against Australia by 9 runs, the same margin they had lost in the 2017 ODI World Cup final. And in a similar fashion as well.

Chasing 162, India had recovered to a steady 118/2 in 14.2 overs. The young star, Jemimah Rodrigues and senior captain-slash-arch-nemesis, Harmanpreet Kaur were playing. Rodrigues was dismissed for 33 and Kaur followed soon with 65. Some baffling decisions with Yastika Bhatia, a regular #3 being sent at #9 & three run outs ensured India fell 9 run short, with 3 balls still to spare.

Social media went haywire with India’s inability to finish and ‘lack of mental strength’ accusations galore. Lots of pointers that the Women’s IPL has already been delayed 2-3 years too long and that resulted in not enough pressure situation practice.

That is partially true but a WIPL wouldn’t magically have done anything. Results and increased depth from WIPL will probably be seen in a decade from now at the earliest. This loss could be attributed to nerves in a final (regardless of the team), an Australian team one level above, and error in judgment by the set batters.

Also Read: Need for Change in Women’s Cricket: Hoping Against Hope

5. Early retirements a concern in women’s cricket too

Trent Boult’s semi-unofficial-retirement (in fashion of AB De Villiers), Ben Stokes’ ODI retirement, and Quinton de Kock’s Test retirement are not the only signs of cricket’s changing landscape.

Lizelle Lee (30) & Deandre Dottin (31) both announced shock retirements from international cricket. Although the reasons were different, it shows growing dissent between the players and respective boards.

Finally at the end of the tournament, captain Meg Planning announced that she is taking an indefinite break from cricket to spend time with family as well.

Cricket, both men’s & women’s, is shifting at a rapid pace, can the administration keep up?

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 08/10/2022. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

History of Women’s Cricket World Cup – Everything You Need to Know to Prep Yourself for the 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup

The 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup is right around the corner, and we are here all for it!

Women’s cricket has become mainstream over the last decade, especially with the breakthrough 2017 ODI World Cup and the 2020 T20 World Cup final, but how much do we really about it?

The general public can remember who won the 1979 Cricket World Cup, Kapil Dev’s 1983 catch, Wasim Akram’s 1992 swing, South Africa’s collapses, and Australia’s dominance in men’s cricket. Here we will educate ourselves about the Women’s Cricket World Cup—How many World Cups have happened, what happened in each world cup, who is the highest runs scorer, wicket taker, and much more!

By the end of this article, you will know everything from history to prepare yourself for the upcoming 2022 Cricket World cup.

Table of Contents

Facts About Women’s Cricket World Cup

Did You Know?

  1. Cricket’s first ODI World Cup was the 1973 Women’s Cricket World Cup, not the 1975 Men’s Cricket World Cup.
  2. Denmark played cricket? That’s right. While teams like Ireland and Netherlands made their impact in men’s world cup in the 2000s, teams like Ireland, Denmark, and Netherlands made their Women’s World Cup debut from the 1988 & 1993 world cups onwards.
  3. In the 1973 World Cup, Jamaica & Trinidad and Tobago played as separate nations, not under West Indies.
  4. Belinda Clark scored 229* in the 1997 World Cup vs Denmark, the highest ODI score across cricket at that time.
  5. In the 1973 & 1982 World Cup, an International XI was fielded as one of teams, comprised of players from England, New Zealand, Netherlands, Australia, India, Trinidad, and Jamaica.
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Also Read:

  1. 20 Years of Mithali Raj And Jhulan Goswami: Eternal Legends for Indian & Women Cricket
  2. What Can Ellyse Perry Not Do?
  3. Case For 5-Day Tests In Women’s Cricket?
  4. Need For Change in Women’s Cricket: Hoping Against Hope
  5. Controversy Alert: Who Cares About Women’s Cricket Anyway?

Stats

Most Wins

How Many Times Have They Won?Runners-Up
Australia6 (1978, 1982, 1988, 1997, 2005, 2013)2 (1973, 2000)
England4 (1973, 1993, 2009, 2017)3 (1978, 1982, 1988)
New Zealand1 (2000)3 (1993, 1997, 2009)
India02 (2005, 2017)
West Indies01 (2013)

Most Runs

World CupsMatchesRunsBestAverage50s/100s
Debbie Hockley (New Zealand)1982-2000451501100*42.8810/2
Jan Brittin (England)1982-1997361299138*43.303/4
Charlotte Edwards (England)1997-2013301231173*53.527/4
Belinda Clark
(Australia)
1993-2005311151229*60.576/1
Mithali Raj
(India)
2000-202231*113910954.239/2

*will be playing the 2022 ODI World Cup

Most Wickets

World CupsMatchesWicketsBest Figures4/5
Lyn Fullston
(Australia)
1982-198820395/272/2
Carole Hodges
(England)
1982-199324374/33/0
Clare Taylor
(England)
1988-200525364/132/0
Jhulan Goswami
(India)
2005-200228364/162/0
Cathryn Fitzpatrick
(Australia)
1993-200525333/182/0

Most Dismissals

World CupsMatchesDismissals
(Catches/Stumpings)
Best
Jane Smit
(England)
1993-20052940 (22/18)4 (2/2)
Rebecca Rolls
(New Zealand)
1997-20052232 (24/8)4 (4/0)
Anju Jain
(India)
1993-20052431 (14/17)5 (3/2)

Most Catches

World CupsMatchesCatches
Jan Brittin
(England)
1982-19973619
Jhulan Goswami
(India)
2005-20172816
Lydia Greenway
(England)
2005-20131814

1. 1973 Women’s Cricket World Cup

Venue: England

Winner: England 🥇

Runners Up: Australia 🥈

  • Teams: 7 (England, Australia, New Zealand, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Young England, International XI)
  • Format: Round Robin (6 matches each), 21 matches total
  • Highest Run-Scorer: Enid Bakewell (264) – England
  • Highest Wicket Taker: Rosalind Heggs (12) – Young England

Fun Fact: England were captained by Rachael Heyhoe Flint, who is quoted to be the “WG Grace of women’s cricket.”

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2. 1978 Women’s Cricket World Cup

Venue: India

Winner: Australia 🥇

Runners Up: England 🥈

  • Teams: 4 (Australia, England, New Zealand, India)
  • Format: Round Robin (3 matches each), 6 matches total
  • Highest Run-Scorer: Margaret Jennings (127) – Australia
  • Highest Wicket Taker: Sharyn Hill (7) – Australia

Venue: New Zealand

Fun Fact: Australia won their first cricket world cup….first of their 20 world cups (5 men’s ODI, 1 T20 WC, 3 U-19 WC, 6 women’s ODI WC, 5 T20I WC)…WOW.

3. Hansells Vita Fresh 1982 Women’s Cricket World Cup

Venue: New Zealand

Winner: Australia 🥇

Runners Up: England 🥈

  • Teams: 5 (Australia, England, New Zealand, India, International XI)
  • Format: Triple Round Robin + Final (12 matches each), 31 matches total
  • Highest Run-Scorer: Jan Brittin (391) – England
  • Highest Wicket Taker: Lyn Fullston (23) – Australia (most in any women’s WC)

Fun Fact: Jackie Lord took 8-2-10-6 against India, women’s cricket best WC bowling figures to date. Electing to bat, NZ were bundled out for 80 in 58.5 overs via Diana Edulji’s 11.5-7-10-3 (60-over match). In reply, Lord helped bundle India for 37 in 35 overes.

Each team played each other THREE TIMES! Can you imagine that in today’s day and age? Also International XI makes a comeback.

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4. Shell Bicentennial 1988 Women’s Cricket World Cup

Venue: Australia

Winner: Australia 🥇

Runners Up: England 🥈

  • Teams: 5 (Australia, England, New Zealand, Ireland, Netherlands)
  • Format: Double Round Robin + Playoffs (8 matches each), 22 matches total
  • Player of the Tournament: Carole Hodges (England)
  • Highest Run-Scorer: Lindsay Reeler (448) – Australia
  • Highest Wicket Taker: Lyn Fullston (16) – Australia

Fun Fact: Ireland & Netherlands make their cricket world cup debut.

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5. 1993 Women’s Cricket World Cup

Venue: England

Winner: England

Runners Up: New Zealand

  • Teams: 8 (Australia, England, Australia, India, Ireland, West Indies, Denmark, Netherlands)
  • Format: Round Robin + Playoffs (7 matches each), 29 matches total
  • Highest Run-Scorer: Jan Brittin (416) – England
  • Highest Wicket Taker: Julie Harris (15) – New Zealand, Karen Smithies (England)

Fun Fact: The 1993 WWC was on the verge of being cancelled before a last minute £90,000 donation. Denmark comes into the cricketing market.

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6. Hero Honda 1997 Women’s Cricket World Cup

Venue: India

Winner: Australia 🥇

Runners Up: New Zealand🥈

  • Teams: 11 (Australia, England, South Africa, Ireland, Denmark, Pakistan, New Zealand, India, Netherlands, Sri Lanka, West Indies)
  • Format: Round Robin (2 groups) + Quarter-Finals + Semi-Finals + Finals, 33 matches totals
  • Highest Run-Scorer: Debbie Hockley (456) – New Zealand (most in any women’s WC)
  • Highest Wicket Taker: Katrina Keenan (13) – New Zealand

Fun Fact: Belinda Clark 229* (pushing Australia to 412/7, best WC score ever till date) and Charlotte Edwards’ 173 broke ODI batting world records, Pakistan collapsed for 27/10 (lowest ever WC score), and Jhulan Goswami, on ball duty, was inspired to take up the sport as a child. The beginning of professionalization of women’s cricket (from skirts/culottes to trousers)

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7. CricInfo 2000 Women’s Cricket World Cup

Venue: New Zealand

Winner: New Zealand 🥇

Runners Up: Australia 🥈

  • Teams: 8 (Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa, England, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Netherlands)
  • Format: Round Robin + Semi-Finals + Finals, 31 matches total
  • Player of the Tournament: Lisa Keightley
  • Highest Run-Scorer: Karen Rolton (393) – Australia
  • Highest Wicket Taker: Charmaine Mason (17) – Australia

Fun Fact: A classic Australia Vs New Zealand final in New Zealand, who actually won their first (and only) ODI World Cup. The 2015 men’s world cup was actually just a revenge battle.

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8. 2005 Women’s Cricket World Cup

Venue: South Africa

Winner: Australia 🥇

Runners Up: India 🥈

  • Teams: 8 (Australia, India, New Zealand, England, West indies, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Ireland)
  • Format: Round Robin + Semi-Finals + Finals, 31 matches total
  • Player of the Tournament: Karen Rolton (Australia) (Rolton boasts the best WC average across women’s WC – 74.92)
  • Highest Run-Scorer: Charlotte Edwards (280)
  • Highest Wicket Taker: Neetu David (20)

Fun Fact: Featured a star cast—Belinda Clark, Lisa Sthalekar, Karen Rolton, Lisa Keightley, Cathryn Fitzpatrick, Charlotte Edwards, Katherine Brunt, Isa Guha, Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, Anjum Chopra, Neetu David, Anisa Mohammeda clash of generations.

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9. ICC 2009 Women’s Cricket World Cup

Venue: Australia

Winner: England 🥇

Runners Up: New Zealand 🥈

  • Teams: 8 (New Zealand, Australia, England, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies)
  • Format: 2 Groups + Super Six + Final, 25 matches total
  • Player of the Tournament: Claire Taylor (England)
  • Highest Run-Scorer: Claire Taylor (324) – England
  • Highest Wicket Taker: Laura Marsh (16) – England

ICC Team of the Tournament:

  1. Suzie Bates (NZ), 2. Shelley Nitschke (Aus), 3. Claire Taylor (Eng), 4. Mithali raj (Ind), 5. Charlotte Edwards (C – Eng), 6. Kate Pulford (NZ), 7. Sarah Taylor (WK – Eng), 8. Amita Sharma (Ind), 9. Katherine Brunt (Eng), 10. Priyanka Roy (Ind), 11. Laura Marsh (Eng), 12. Sophie Devine (NZ)

Fun Fact: Ellyse Perry makes her ODI World Cup debut at the age of 18 taking 3/40 in Australia’s first match of the World Cup.

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10. ICC 2013 Women’s Cricket World Cup

Venue: India

Winner: Australia 🥇

Runners Up: West Indies 🥈

  • Teams: 8 (England, Sri Lanka, West Indies, India, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan)
  • Format: 2 Groups + Super Six + Final, 25 matches total
  • Player of the Tournament: Suzie Bates (New Zealand)
  • Highest Run-Scorer: Suzie Bates (407) – New Zealand
  • Highest Wicket Taker: Megan Schutt (15) – Australia

Fun Fact: India & Pakistan were the two teams that failed to qualify for the Super Sixes, while West Indies qualify for the Finals for the first (and only) time.

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11. ICC 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup

Venue: England & Wales

Winner: England

Runners Up: India

  • Teams: 8 (Australia, England, New Zealand, West indies, India, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Pakistan)
  • Format: Round Robin + Final
  • Player of the Tournament: Tammy Beaumont (England)
  • Highest Run-Scorer: Tammy Beaumont (410) – England
  • Highest Wicket Taker: Dane van Niekerk (15) – South Africa

ICC Team of the Tournament:

  1. Tammy Beaumont (Eng), 2. Laura Wolvaardt (SA), 3. Mithali Raj (C- Ind), 4. Ellyse Perry, 5. Sarah Taylor (WK – Eng), 6. Harmanpreet Kaur, 7. Deepti Sharma, 8. Marizanne Kapp (SA), 9. Anya Shrubsole (Eng), 10. Alex Hartley (Eng), 12. Natalie Sciver (Eng)

Fun Fact: Harmanpreet Kaur’s 171* in the semi-finals caught Australia. India lit up the tournament only to fall short due to a Shrubsole caused collapse in the final. Game changer for women’s cricket, bringing new fans to the game.

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Sources: ICC History, Cricinfo

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 01/19/2022. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

20 Years of Mithali Raj And Jhulan Goswami: Eternal Legends for Indian & Women Cricket

Mithali Raj & Jhulan Goswami, the dynamic duo.

Sounds okay but could be better. Let us try again.

Mithali Raj & Jhulan Goswami—The Eternal Legends? Scratch that. How about

Goswami & Raj: Stalwarts that Let the Flame Burning for India’s Women Cricket.

I have to be brutally honest here. I had a tough time finishing this article.

It took me weeks. I mean how could I summarize such long careers, awe-aspiring legacies, and inspirational stories with a mere couple of phrases? In fact, it took me an entire day just to research just the sheer number of records and awards these two possess (all of them listed below).

103 days away from the 2022 Women’s ODI Cricket World Cup Final, let us look back at the glorious careers of Mithali Raj & Jhulan Goswami—Where Did It all begin? Statistics and legacies, ups and downs, the final hurrah, and of course what can we learn from the lives of India’s best women batter and fastest bowler?

Table of Contents

  1. Table of Contents
  2. The Beginning
    1. Jhulan’s Inspiration
    2. Early Decisions, Discipline, and the Passion to Excel
    3. Debut
  3. Records and Statistics of Mithali Raj & Jhulan Goswami
    1. Joint Records Held by Raj & Goswami
    2. Mithali Raj Stats
    3. Mithali Raj Records
      1. Tests
      2. ODIs
      3. T20Is
    4. Mithali Raj Awards
    5. Jhulan Goswami Stats
    6. Jhulan Goswami Records
      1. Tests
      2. ODIs
      3. T20Is
    7. Jhulan Goswami Awards
  4. International Success
  5. World Cup Dream
    1. Bright Promises
    2. Rock Bottom of 2009 & 2013
  6. 2017 World Cup and the Broken Dream
    1. T20 World Cups
  7. Captaincy & Controversies
    1. The Captaincy-Controversy Complex
  8. Women’s IPL Without Goswami & Raj Already a Failure for BCCI
  9. What Can We Learn from Mithali Raj & Jhulan Goswami?
    1. Life Lessons
    2. Quotes on Mithali Raj & Jhulan Goswami
  10. Final Hurrah for the Iconic Duo?
  11. Jhulan Goswami Videos and Articles
  12. Mithali Raj Videos, Articles, Book, and Biopic
  13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
  14. Further Reading: Women’s Cricket
  15. Further Reading: Cricketing Heroes

Also Read

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The Beginning

It has been 8216 days and 7291 days since Mithali Raj’s and Jhulan Goswami’s debut respectively. That is a really long time, let alone for a sporting career. Let us trace back to where it all began.

Jhulan’s Inspiration

Jhulan Goswami did not actually start playing cricket till the relatively late age of 15. It was the 1997 ODI World Cup Final between Australia and New Zealand that sowed the seeds of cricket deep into her roots.

She was a ball picker in that World Cup final at the Eden Gardens when Australia’s World Cup winning celebrations ignited her passion to take up the sport.

It was now her dream to lift the World Cup trophy for India.

Mithali Raj’s talent was picked early, and she was in the national radar by the time she was 14. However, actually devoting her career to cricket was not such an easy decision.

Early Decisions, Discipline, and the Passion to Excel

In their interviews with Gaurav Kapur in Breakfast With Champions and Mithali Raj’s chat with Ravichandran Ashwin in DRS With Ash, we gain a bit of insight in their lives—Raj’s early interest & training in the Indian classical dance form of Bharatnatyam, her fascination with books, and what obstacles both Goswami & Raj had to overcome during their journey.

Although both of their parents were supportive of their decisions to play cricket, there was backlash from extended family and the rest of society, especially when women’s cricket in India was in its infancy. Raj states that her toughest decision was to choose World Cup selection games over her 12th grade board exams. In any case, they both started training in cricket academies, disciplined their routines, and woke up around 4 AM to get ready for practice.

In Raj’s case, the discipline stemmed from an army family background. For Jhulan, originally from the small town of Chakdaha, it was the two hours travel by train for practice.

Debut

It was an evident in their early days of international cricket that these two were going to make an indelible impact in Indian cricket.

Opening the batting, Raj scored 114* against Ireland in her debut ODI on 26 June, 1999 just at the age of 16. Goswami would follow suit on January 5th, 2002, opening the bowling against England and returning with figures of 7-0-15-2. Her high arm release, bowling speed, and the beautiful smooth action would be a breath to behold in the years to come.

A few days later they would debut together against England in the first of only 12 Test matches.

Records and Statistics of Mithali Raj & Jhulan Goswami

In these tributes, I usually like to add a statistics section to paint the whole picture of the cricketer, but this one is a bit unique. Since Raj & Goswami have played so much cricket & have been consistently excellent, they practically have all the individual records to their name.

Slowly scroll down, sit back, and just reflect how dominant these two legends have been for two decades.

Joint Records Held by Raj & Goswami

  • 2nd – Joint Longest Test Careers (debut 14 January, 2002)
  • 157 – Highest Partnership for the 7th Wicket in Test Cricket (Aug 14-17, 2002)

Mithali Raj Stats

MatchesRunsBestAverage100s50s
Tests1269921443.6814
ODIs2207391125*51.32759
T20Is89236497*37.52017
Mithali Raj Career Statistics

Mithali Raj Records

  • Leading scorer in women’s cricket across formats (10454+)
  • Only Indian captain to lead the country in two ODI World Cup finals

Tests

  • 3rd Youngest Test Captain (At 22)
  • Youngest Player to score 200+ (19)
  • 2nd Highest Individual Score (214)

ODIs

  • Most Runs (7391* and counting)
  • Longest ODI Career (Debut: 26 Jun 1999)
  • Most Career Matches (220)
  • Most Consecutive Matches (109 – Between April 2004-February 2013)
  • Youngest Player to score 100+ (16)
  • Hundred on Debut (114*)
  • Most consecutive 50s (7 between 7 Feb-25 June 2017, 70*, 64, 73*, 51*, 54, 62*, 71)
  • Joint Most 90s (5)
  • Most Matches as ODI Captain (143)
  • 2nd Most Innings Without Duck (74)
  • 4th Most Catches (58)
  • 5th Highest Career Batting Average (51.32)

T20Is

  • 2nd Fastest to 2000 Runs
  • 3rd Highest Average (37.52)
  • 2nd Most consecutive 50s (4 – 62, 73*, 54*, 76*)
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Mithali Raj Awards

  • 2003 – Arjuna Award
  • 2005-2021 – ICC #1 ODI Batter (9 times in 15 Years)
  • 2015 – Padma Shri
  • 2017 – Wisden Leading Women Cricket in the World
  • 2017 – BBC 100 Women
  • 2021 – Khel Ratna

Jhulan Goswami Stats

MatchesWicketsBestAverageEconomy5W (Test)/
4 W (ODI/T20I)
10 W (Test)/
5 W (ODI/T20I)
RunsBest50s
Tests12445/25 (Innings)
10/78 (Match)
17.3631291692
ODIs1922406/3121.593.31721162571
T20Is68655/1121.945.450140537*0
Jhulan Goswami Career Statistics

Jhulan Goswami Records

Tests

  • Youngest player to take a 10-wicket haul in a women’s Test (23 years)
  • Most Wickets Taken LBW (18)

ODIs

  • Most Wickets (240)
  • Most Balls bowled in career (9387* and counting)
  • Highest Number of Days As #1 Bowler
  • 2nd Longest ODI career (debut 6 January, 2002)
  • Most Wickets Taken LBW (53)
  • 3rd – Most 4 wickets in an innings (9)
  • One of 10 players with 100+ wickets/1000+ Runs
  • 2nd Most Catches
  • Most ducks (17 – Ouch)

T20Is

  • 3rd Most maidens

Jhulan Goswami Awards

  • 2007 – ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year
  • 2010 – Arjuna Award
  • 2012 – Padma Sri
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International Success

Mithali Raj became a core member in the early 2000s. Two of her most prominent innings in this phase was the 214 against England in Taunton and 91* vs New Zealand in the 2005 World Cup semi-final.

Jhulan Goswami’s best days came between 2006 & 2008. Her all-round form (3-46 & 2-62, 69 at #3, 5-33 & 5-45) helped India win a Test series in England on her way to become the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year.

World Cup Dream

Although Raj & Goswami have accomplished almost everything in the sport, there is one elusive achievement they have yet to realize—the World Cup dream.

Bright Promises

Mithali Raj has played in 5 ODI World Cups, dating back to the 2000 Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand, when India made the semi-finals. Next time in 2005, both Jhulan & captain made the team. It would be India’s first run to the World Cup final, losing to Australia. Raj was India’s highest scorer with 199 runs (5th overall), and Jhulan was at #3 in the wickets (13 wickets).

Then followed two World Cups of relative disappointments.

Rock Bottom of 2009 & 2013

In 2009, India did not make it past the Super Six stage, but Raj made it into the Team of the tournament (247 runs, 2 – 50s, best of 75*). Goswami, who did not have a great time with the ball, was India’s captain during the tournament.

The 2013 Cricket World Cup, however, was arguably the lowest moment as India failed to get out of the qualifying stage. This time captaincy was back with Mithali Raj while Jhulan had a decent tournament with 9 wickets in just 4 games. Raj did score a 103* against Pakistan for the 7th Place Playoffs.

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Around this time, Jhulan & Raj graduated to become the seniors in the Indian national setup. In the 2010 T20 World Cup, Goswami recalls a conversation with Raj,

“I think we should take women’s cricket to such a platform where the young girls can get inspired…People won’t recognize women’s cricket until we do something at the World Cup.”

2017 World Cup and the Broken Dream

The moment came in the form of the 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup, which was the watershed moment for world cricket and eventually lead to the grand success of the 2020 T20 World Cup final.

Post-2017, media coverage, funding, and women’s cricket grew in leaps and bounds. Mithali Raj herself reflects that she had more interviews after 2017 then in the first 18 years of her career.

India’s successful march to the finals was another great storyline of the tournament. By this time, a good core had formed around Raj & Goswami with Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, Veda Krishnamurthy, Deepti Sharma, Shikha Pandey, Poonam Yadav, and Punam Raut all contributing with match -winning performances.

Raj followed up her consistent scores of 71, 45, 53, 69 with a 109-run knock against New Zealand. She ended up as the second highest run getter of the tournament with 409 runs (1 run behind Tammy Beaumont). Goswami had a decent run herself, taking 10 wickets overall with the best of 3/23 and providing India with miserly opening sells.

Despite the golden run, it was not to be as Anya Shrubsole’s magic deprived India of the World Cup victory.

So close, yet so far. Broken Cricket Dream.

T20 World Cups

India has not had the rub of the green in the T20 World Cups in T20 World Cups either. After qualifying for the semi-finals in 2009 & 2010, they crashed out in the group stages in 2012.

They did not get far in 2014 & 2016 either except that Mithali Raj was the 3rd highest run getter with 208 runs in 2014.

In 2018, India had a bright run with 4 wins in 4 matches in the group stage before crashing out in the semi-finals again. Mithali had retired by the time 2020 T20 World Cup came around and Jhulan did not play in a T20 World Cup since 2016.

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Captaincy & Controversies

Jhulan Goswami was India’s captain briefly from 2008 to 2011, captaining India in 25 ODIs (W: 12, L: 13).

Mithali Raj, on the other hand, has had a couple of captaincy stints. First was around the 2005 ODI Women’s World Cup, the second stint during the 2013 World Cup, and the final one around the 2017 Women’s World Cup. In all, she captained India in 8 Tests (W:3, D: 4, L: 1) and 143 ODIs (W: 85, L: 55), the most by any Indian captain.

The Captaincy-Controversy Complex

These days India’s captaincy is synonymous with controversy. The same applies here as well.

Although Ramesh Powar is back as India’s head coach now and the relationship has reconciled, in 2018, a public battle of words between Raj & coach Ramesh Power took place. There was discussion on Raj’s strike rate and batting position during the 2018 T20 World Cup and she was eventually dropped from the 2018 semifinals, which India lost.

Eventually, Mithali Raj retired from the T20Is in 2019 and Harmanpreet Kaur replaced Mithali as captain.

Women’s IPL Without Goswami & Raj Already a Failure for BCCI

Women’s IPL or the lack of has been a hot topic of discussion lately.

However, it has already failed before it began. In order to cultivate a strong fan base, Mithali Raj & Jhulan Goswami would have been wonderful ambassadors as players. I am sure they will still be invovled in some way or the other, but without creating a team around them, the BCCI has already lost a golden opportunity.

They have given everything for Indian cricket. They deserve one final farewell, preferably in front of their home crowd.

What Can We Learn from Mithali Raj & Jhulan Goswami?

Just like the 1997 World Cup moment inspired her, Jhulan herself has inspired numerous other cricketers like Pakistan’s Kainat Imtiaz (who was a ball picker when India toured Pakistan in 2005).

The legacies of Mithali Raj & Jhulan Goswami are far beyond the numbers. They have not only changed cricket but have also changed the perception of fans towards women’s cricket.

When they debuted, Indian women’s cricket was not at a great place. BCCI had not taken over women’s cricket yet, lots of the early tours required self-sponsoring, practices were on turf wickets, and the facilities/physios were not as prominent back then.

The fact that India has reached so many semi-finals & finals and a trophy seems to be right around the corner is credit to their work over the years. Mithali Raj & Jhulan Goswami have not only contributed by their own skills but have also mentored and brought others along the way.

Life Lessons

Longevity & consistency, coming back from disappointments, breaking barriers, mentoring others, staying focused on your goals, and always, always daring to dreamThis is what Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami teach me.

I hope their magnificent careers and lives teaches you some valuable life lessons as well.

Quotes on Mithali Raj & Jhulan Goswami

Here is some advice in their own words.

“Young boys and young girls saying – We saw your match, we want to play cricket, where can we go, and enroll ourselves? So that’s a success for me, because getting the girls to watch cricket is a big thing.’

– Mithali Raj on Breakfast with Champions

“”Be committed and persistent in what [you] do. Channel your energy and be consistent”

– Mithali Raj advice to young girls in DRS With Ash

“But winning the World Cup was a dream. You chase that dream. You wake up every day and think about lifting that trophy…But that blot will remain unless you win the World Cup. Irrespective of me being in the team or not.”

-Jhulan Goswami on the World Cup dream

“I live with this dream. I live with this passion and want to do something for women’s cricket.”

-Jhulan Goswami on Women’s Cricket

“You have been a trendsetter…an inspiration…and a role model.”

– R Ashwin on Mithali Raj

Final Hurrah for the Iconic Duo?

Raj & Goswami are still fit and raring to go as we saw against Australia series this year. Goswami redeemed herself from a high pressure last over no-ball with a match winning shot in the very next game. They still have it in them.

On March 5th, 2022, India begins its journey to the 2022 Women’s ODI World Cup against Pakistan. Who knows, these might be the final 7 games that we might see of these legends.

We all hope that they can go two steps forward and achieve their World Cup dream. But even if they do not, it has been two delightful careers sandwiched in one that have mesmerized the fans for two decades.

Memories to behold.

Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images

Jhulan Goswami Videos and Articles

  1. Jaffa To dismiss Meg Lanning
  2. 2017 ODI World Cup – Jhulan Goswami Feature
  3. Through The Gates to Alyssa Healy in a T20I
  4. Goswami’s Redemption in the 3rd ODI vs Australia
  5. Article by Niyantha Shekhar (ESPNCricinfo’s Cricket Monthly)

Mithali Raj Videos, Articles, Book, and Biopic

  1. Mithali Raj Sixes
  2. Chat With Ravichandran Ashwin in DRS With Ash
  3. Breakfast With Champions
  4. Article by Shashank Kishore (ESPNCricinfo’s Cricket Monthly)
  5. Interview With Annesa Ghosh (ESPNCricinfo’s Cricket Monthly)
  6. Unguarded (Autobiography)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where Is Mithali Raj from?

Mithali Raj was born in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India but currently resides in Hyderabad.

When is Mithali Raj’s Birthday?

Mithali Raj was born on December 3, 1982.

Where is Jhulan Goswami from?

Goswami was born in Chakdaha, West Bengal, India.

When is Jhulan Goswami’s Birthday?

Jhulan Goswami was born on November 25, 1983.

What teams has Jhulan Goswami played for?

Goswami has played for India, India Green, Asia Women XI, Bengal, East Zone, and the Trailblazers.

Which teams has Mithali Raj played for?

Raj has played for India, India Blue, Asia Women XI, Railways, Air India, and Velocity.

Further Reading: Women’s Cricket

Further Reading: Cricketing Heroes

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India Women Turn the Impossible Into Possible: Case For 5-Day Tests In Women’s Cricket?

“Start by doing what’s necessary. Then do what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible,” said Francis of Assisi about 800 years ago.

India women did just that, holding England to an improbable draw.

Women’s Tests A Rarity

Due to an increased fan following in women’s cricket since the 2017 ODI World Cup, recent emphasis has been on limited overs cricket, expansion of the game via T20 World Cup, and a potential game changer in Women’s Hundred.

Since resources have been spent in marketing the limited overs game, women’s Test cricket has disappeared in the background.

England play only one Test match every couple of years in the Ashes against Australia. Indian women had it even worse—they were playing their first test after 7 years and only their third in 15 years.

We did not know how it will pan out. Will India struggle with the lack of match practice? Will they remain unbeaten in Tests in England? How would teams cope with a used pitch?

Summary

Electing to bat first, England posted a solid 396/9 declared courtesy their senior players: Beaumont’s 66, captain Heather Knight’s 95, Nat Sciver’s 42, and debutant’s Sophie Dunkley’s 74.

Openers Smriti Mandhana & Shafali Verma would form a record 167-partnership, before India collapsed for 231. England enforced the follow-on with India 165 runs still behind & 135 overs still left in the game.

Rana-Bhatia’s Performance of the Ages

In the second innings, they started by doing the necessary. The top order repeated its fight with contributions from Verma, Raut, and Sharma before they collapsed from 171-2 to 199-7 in 73.3 overs. What’s more, India’s last recognized batter, Harmanpreet Kaur departed. With 50 overs still to go, little did anyone expect that India would survive.

Then they did what was possible. Stitch out partnerships. Play ball-by-ball. Stall the time. An hour later, Shikha Pandey departed after a fighting 18 (50).

What followed was a performance of a lifetime, a magnificent rearguard effort between Taniya Bhatia & Sneh Rana—104* (185) partnership. Suddenly, India were doing the impossible.

Rana scored 80* (154) & Bhatia provided ample support with 44* (88) to deny England a routine victory.

Patience, grit, determination on show. Bravo India women!

Debutants Dare to Dream

The experienced duo, Mithali Raj & Harmanpreet Kaur, scored a paltry 18 runs in 4 innings. To achieve the impossible, India’s youngsters were thrown in the deep end, similar to the Border-Gavaskar series in men’s cricket.

Not only did the newer generation star, Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Shafali Verma, Sneh Rana, and Taniya Bhatia were actually making their Test debuts for the India women team. Sophia Dunkley, whose 74* revived England from 251-6 to 396/9 declared, was debuting for England.

  • Shafali became the youngest women (17 years & 139 days) cricketer and second overall after Sachin Tendulkar to score fifties in both innings—96 & 63.
  • Promoted from #7 in the 1st innings to #3 in the 2nd, Sharma brought India back in the game with mature knocks of 29* & 54 to go along with 3/65.
  • Rana’s 4/131 & 80* Bhatia’s 44* saves India.
  • Vastrakar contributed with 1/53.

Ecclestone Bowls Herself To the Ground

The English bowlers were in the field for two and a half days!

Sophie Ecclestone took the bulk of the responsibilities, bowling 26 overs (out of 81.5) in the first innings and 38 (out of 121 overs) in the second. She ended up figures of 4-88 & 4-118.

Kudos to her for giving it her best shot. Can take some rest now. Already a T20 star, the 22-year old has the potential to be an all-time England great.

Time For 5-Day Tests In Women’s Cricket?

At the end of the 4th day, the captains shook hands with 12 overs to go. India were 179 runs ahead at 344/8.

Imagine a potential day 5—England’s target around 200 runs with 80 overs to go. All 4 results possible. Mouth-watering scenario, isn’t it? Well it isn’t entirely possible when you only have a 4-day Test.

Captain Heather Knight commented that the lack of 5th day “robbed of that finish,” and they would definitely be open for 5-day Tests. Mithali Raj had a more practical suggestion, “It’s a good idea to have a five-day Test but we actually have to start Test matches regularly.”

Why not combine both? Teams that traditionally play consistent Test cricket (Australia & England) should be allowed to experiment with 5-day Tests and pink-ball Tests. On the other hand, teams like India should not be searching for Test match opportunities every seven or eight years. Why not have one mandatory 4-day Test per bilateral series for teams like India, South Africa, and New Zealand? This way, more seasoned cricketers will get Test match experience and cricket boards will get the chance to focus on the marketing aspect of Women’s Test cricket.

Who knows, maybe a Women’s World Test Championship is just what is needed to provide context.

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COPYRIGHT @Nitesh Mathur, aka Nit-X, 06/23/2021; Email at bcd@brokencricketdreams.com

Image Courtesy: Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Sources: Quotemaster

England Women Vs India Women 2021 Series Preview: Test Cricket Makes a Comeback

England Women Vs India Women 2021 Series Preview.

It is a huge year for India Women—Test cricket makes a comeback after seven years, last playing against South Africa in 2014. India is scheduled for one Test against England as well as two Tests in Australia later this year, including a Day-Night Test.

Smriti Mandhana, Punam Raut, Mithali Raj, Harmanpreet Kaur, Jhulan Goswami, Shikha Pandey, and Poonam Yadav return from that game 7 years ago.

England, on the other hand, have played multiple Ashes series with one Test match each (2013, 2013-14, 2015, 2017-18, 2019). Amy Jones, Tammy Beaumont, Heather Knight, Georgia Elwiss, Natalie Sciver, Katherine Brunt, Anya Shrubsole, and Sophie Ecclestone return from their last Test.

While the Test match is in the forefront now, do not forget the limited overs. The build up to the 2022 Women’s ODI World Cup is about to begin.

Also Read: Need For Change In Women’s Cricket: Hoping Against Hope, India Vs South Africa Women Series Review, England Vs New Zealand Women Series Review

When And Where?

Test

  1. Only Test: June 16th-19th, Bristol

ODIs

  1. 1st ODI: June 27th, Bristol
  2. 2nd ODI: June 30th, Taunton
  3. 3rd ODI: July 3rd, Worcester

T20Is

  1. 1st T20I: July 9th, Northampton
  2. 2nd T20I: July 11th, Hove
  3. 3rd T20I: July 15th, Chelmsford

Test Match Preview

In The News

The used pitch has been under the scanner, especially with captain Heather Knight’s disappointment palpable on not been provided a fresh pitch. This women’s Test match was not given enough attention, with a Gloucestershire vs Sussex T20 Blast game held last week.

Meanwhile, both the India men’s & women’s arrived together on June 3rd in Southampton and had been in quarantine since.

Test captain Mithali Raj has put her support behind multi-format series for women’s cricket like the Ashes, with a points system distributed across the three formats. India’s vice-captain Kaur is in a positive mindset with regards to this Test match despite lack of match practice, especially after receiving some words of advice with a conversation with Ajinkya Rahane.

Return for coach Ramesh Powar in this series as well.

Head-To-Head, Previous Matches, & Records

India have won their past three encounters (England 2006, England 2014, South Africa 2014) and they have a golden opportunity in this series. If they win this Test match, they will break the record for most consecutive Test wins in women’s cricket.

Long-term records do not mean much, but England has only won against India (1995) in 13 meetings. On the other hand, India have won two, both in England.

In fact, India in Tests are unbeaten in England —2 wins, 6 draws.

My Starting XIs

England Women

  1. Lauren Winfield-Hill, 2. Tammy Beaumont, 3. Heather Knight*, 4. Georgia Elwiss, 5. Natalie Sciver, 6. Amy Jones (WK), 7. Fran Wilson, 8. Kate Cross, 9. Anya Shrubsole, 10. Katherine Brunt, 11. Sophie Ecclestone

12. Emily Arlott, 13. Sophia Dunkley, 14. Tash Farrant, 15. Mady Villiers

*Captain

Note: Dunkley made her debut. No Fran Wilson in the actual game.

India Women – Test Squad

  1. Smriti Mandhana, 2. Jemimah Rodrigues, 3. Punam Raut, 4. Mithali Raj*, 5. Harmanpreet Kaur, 6. Deepti Sharma, 7. Taniya Bhatia (WK), 8. Jhulan Goswami, 9. Shikha Pandey, 10. Arundhati Reddy, 11. Poonam Yadav

12. Ekta Bisht, 13. Priya Punia, 14. Sneh Rana, 15. Indrani Roy (WK), 16. Shafali Verma, 17. Pooja Vastrakar, 18. Radha Yadav

*Note: Sneh Rana, Shafali Verma, Pooja Vastrakar actually made the XI at the expense of Yadav, Jemimah, and Reddy.

T20s Only: 19. Simran Bahadur, 20. Harleen Deol, 21. Richa Ghosh

England Women Vs India Women 2021 – Team Previews

India Women

  • Shikha Pandey’s omission in the South Africa series caught the public by surprise as she has been one of India’s most dependable bowlers in recent times. Expect the fast bowling trio – Pandey, experienced Jhulan Goswami, and Arundhati Reddy to make the ball talk during the Test series.
  • Mithali Raj debuted more than 22 years and has played a total of just 10 Test matches. She holds a stellar record in the limited opportunities—best of 214, 1-100, 4 50s, average of 51.00. Highest ODI run-scorer in women’s cricket, watch out for Raj in the ODI series in her final season as the 2022 World Cup will be her swansong.
  • The Young Brigade—Shafali Verma, Harleen Deol, Radha Yadav, Pooja Vastrakar, and Simran Bahadur—have immense potential. Although Shafali Verma is in the Test squad, it is unlikely she will get a break at the top with Mandhana-Raut-Jemimah-Mithali-Priya in front. A certainty in the T20Is, the explosive opener should receive her ODI debut in this series.

England Women

  • Tammy Beaumont was on another planet during the New Zealand series, with 231 runs in the ODIs (best of 88*) & 102 runs in the T20Is. 4 fifties in 6 innings. A class apart. She would be itching to convert to triple figures, and this Test match would be an ideal opportunity if she continues her form.
  • Lookout for the Shrubsole-Brunt combination. Katherine Brunt’s experience came to the fore with a player of the match performance in the 3rd T20I against NZ, England’s last match before this series. Anya Shrubsole’s name was etched in legends with an iconic performance in the close 2017 ODI World Cup final, coincidentally against India.
  • Knight-Sciver are key to this English middle order. Although they only have 7 and 5 Test caps to their names respectively, they are the senior pros in this lineup, having represented England in over 150 games each across formats. Knight has a Test century (157), while Sciver’s best is 88. Across formats, Knight has 3 centuries and 27 fifties, while Nat Sciver has 3 hundreds and 24 fifties to go along with her 118 wickets.

Prediction

Home side England have the upper-hand in the Tests, although India will fight it out. The limited overs series should be much more competitive. I am especially excited for the ODI seriesrepeat of the 2017 ODI World Cup finals (also held in the same country).

  • Predictions
    • Test: England 1-0
    • ODI: India 2-1
    • T20I: England 2-1

The Hunch

My gut feeling says that Punam Raut is going to be the key player in this tour. She had an outstanding series against South Africa, providing India the little bit of stability during the series.

Her stats in that series speak for herself: 1-100, 2-50s, 263 runs, and a tremendous average of 87.66.

Hoping her form continues.

England WomenIndia Women
Player of the Series/MVPNatalie SciverPunam Raut
Most RunsTammy BeaumontPunam Raut
Most WicketsKatherine BruntShikha Pandey
Emerging PlayerSophie DunkleyHarleen Deol
Surprise PackageAmy Jones Arundhati Reddy

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COPYRIGHT @Nitesh Mathur, aka Nit-X, 06/15/2021; Email at bcd@brokencricketdreams.com