Indian Women Cricketer Richa Ghosh

Richa Ghosh: The new cricket sensation of Team India

Oh, My Ghosh! Will be the right way to describe the 19-year-old sensation of the Indian Women’s cricket team. After leading India to glory in the U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, Richa Ghosh displayed a solid run of performances in the recently conducted Women’s T20 World Cup as well. Richa Ghosh is the only Indian to be included in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup team of the tournament. Richa Ghosh is slowly coming up as the new face of Indian cricket and is expected to reach major heights in the coming years. Let’s have a deeper look at Richa Ghosh and her journey in the sport of cricket. 

Richa Ghosh: The new cricket sensation of Team India 

Richa Ghosh is an Indian cricketer who has represented India at both the Under-19 and Women’s national teams. She hails from Bengal, where she made her first appearances in domestic cricket. Ghosh is a solid allrounder with an attacking batting style and an ability to move the ball both ways with her medium-paced bowling. Richa Ghosh’s cricketing journey began in 2011 when she participated in a talent hunt program in Bengal. 

cricket bats

cricket bats

In 2011-12, Richa was given a chance to get involved in the talent hunt program set up by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) under the project headed by its former secretary Biswarup Dey. She took advantage of the opportunity and attended a coaching camp at the Bengal Cricket Academy in Kalyani, thus beginning her journey. 

“She was so small then I had to stay with her there and help out with her daily chores. Like other girls of her age, she was extremely fond of chocolates, cold drinks, and chips. We had to make her understand why she should get rid of such junk food. None could miss her talent even then.” said former international and national selector Mithu Mukherjee, who was in charge of the project in Bengal. 

Impressed by Richa’s all-around abilities – including pace bowling, batting as an opener, and being a useful wicketkeeper – Chaitali Basak, one of the coaches, wanted her to join the Bengal state team immediately. However, Mukherjee chose to hold off on this due to her young age. Richa went on to make her debut for Bengal the following season and was picked for the Bengal Under-19 squad when she was only 12 years old. 

“She often used to stay in my apartment in Calcutta during tournaments and camps. There were times they put up at cheap hotels near Sealdah and also the Salt Lake stadium campus. It was tough, but she and her father never gave up,” said Mithu Mukherjee. A year after her initial Bengal debut, Richa managed to make it into the U-23 and senior teams. In 2018, she was honored by the CAB with the Women’s Cricketer of the Year award. While Mukherjee and former Bengal cricketers-turned-coaches Shib Shankar Paul and Charanjit Singh provided technical aid at the CAB, Manabendrababu focused on Richa’s mental conditioning. 

The turning point of Women’s cricket in India 

In 2017, the Indian Women’s Cricket Team had a memorable run at the World Cup, making it to the final against England at Lord’s. In the process, they garnered a lot of attention and admiration, despite narrowly losing in the end. This successful journey at the 2017 World Cup helped Richa as well, who by now was a more polished cricketer and had decided to direct her focus on batting and wicketkeeping. 

“Everyone got interested and started following women’s cricket on social media, something that didn’t happen before. We were able to create an expectation… We could set an example before the younger generation which mattered a lot,” recalled Indian legend Jhulan Goswami. 

Richa made her T20I debut in the tri-series in Australia before the 2020 T20 World Cup. Notably, she became the only World Cup debutant to have five or more dismissals and broke the record for most catches in an ODI inning by an Indian female wicketkeeper against Pakistan in Mount Maunganui in 2022. 

“There was no doubt about her talent. But none can claim credit for her journey to the top. Technically she was always very sound and, at times, better than her contemporaries like Shafali Verma. Her backfoot play can match the best in the business. Playing alongside Jhulan Goswami also helped her,” explained Mukherjee. 

Richa gained a great deal from when Shib Paul assumed the position of Bengal coach in 2019. She was always eager to uncover new techniques and better her performance. Richa was allowed to train and play at higher levels, and she worked hard on her bowling and batting skills. Shib Paul’s guidance helped her hone her wicketkeeping and fielding capabilities. As a result, Richa developed into an all-rounder who could make a strong contribution to her team in every department. In 2020, she was also named in the Wisden India T20I team of the year. 

“She yielded enormous power in her strokes. I used to have separate sessions with her and made her practice and play matches with the boys. I felt she would be more successful and switched her to No. 5 in the batting order,” said Paul. “At my academy at Baghajatin TarunSangha, she used to be at the nets practically the whole day. Playing matches with the boys helped her develop skills and induce more power into her strokes… She turned herself into a matchwinner on her own,” added Paul. 

What does the future hold for the superstar? 

During the recently conducted T20 World Cup in South Africa, Richa displayed remarkable consistency. The success she had achieved at the Under-19 World Cup gave her an extra boost of confidence. Her ability to snatch momentum away from the opposition through her strokeplay was evident in the match against West Indies. 

“She is not the traditional Indian batter who likes to play the drives and stuff like that,” captain Harmanpreet Kaur said. “I think they are players who enjoy the short ball. She’s a superstar for India.” added the Indian skipper. 

Having been selected by the Royal Challengers Bangalore for Rs 1.9 crore in the Women’s Premier League, Richa is looking forward to a new journey that will also provide some financial security. Before the Women’s Premier League auction, the official broadcaster aired a video of Richa Ghosh in which she discussed her desire to buy her family home in Kolkata and expressed her desire for her father to stop working. She was purchased by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the auction a short while afterward for Rs 1.9 crore. 

“I can’t describe my feelings with words. There are too many emotions inside my mind right now. That kid has suffered a lot, right from a very young age and I somehow feel responsible for it also,” Manabendra Ghosh told The Indian Express from Siliguri. 

Manabendra still recalls how he used to make the 600 km journey from Siliguri to Kolkata on a train in search of cheaper hotels to save money so that his daughter could train. 

“Money was an issue. I didn’t know anyone in Kolkata, so I used to look for cheaper hotels where we would stay. Our daily routine was to leave the hotel at 7 am and come back in the evening. The ground was our home in Kolkata,” said Ghosh. “We will not leave Siliguri, but now with the money, I would get her a flat in Kolkata so that she could stay there and practice,” he added. 

“In 2013, I took out a loan to get her a bat before her U-19 trials. She couldn’t make it that year but a year later at the age of 12, she made her U-19 debut. From there on, she never looked back and played for the U-23 side the same season. A year later at the age of 13, she played for the senior Bengal team,” said Ghosh. 

Richa expressed her gratitude to her parents for helping her succeed in the sport after being overwhelmed by the response she received during the tense auction session. “All my parents wanted me to achieve was to play for India. I want to captain my team and win a major trophy for India. I want to buy a flat in Kolkata. I want my mother and father to settle down there. I want them to enjoy their life now. They have struggled a lot in their life, and they have worked hard a lot for me. Even now, my father does umpire. After the auction, I hope he doesn’t have to work so hard,” Richa Ghosh said to Star Sports after the auction.

Top 5 catches in Women's T20 World Cup 2023

Top 5 catches in Women’s T20 World Cup 2023

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup recently ended, with the defending champion Australia collecting another title to their impressive collection. This is their sixth T20 World Cup win, more than any other team. During this tournament, players displayed amazing talents and put on a show with remarkable performances. Viewers have seen some amazing action on the field for almost three weeks. 

Here, we take a look at the top five catches from the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 

Richa Ghosh vs England 

India’s teenage wicketkeeper-batswoman Richa Ghosh took an amazing one-handed catch against England to dismiss opener Danni Wyatt. It was a daring effort, and her sharp reflexes allowed her to pull it off with ease. 

Knock in 2nd T20I vs Australia my best so far: Richa Ghosh | News

Creator: Pankaj Nangia | Credit: Getty Images Copyright: 2022 Getty Images

Richa Ghosh stunned everyone with her one-handed catch as Renuka Singh bowled a good-length ball that swung in and elicited an edge from Danni Wyatt. Ghosh had to react quickly and extend her right hand out, and she did so successfully, snatching the ball out of the air and securing the wicket. 

Richa Ghosh’s incredible catch set the tone for India’s strong performance in the match, as the team was able to quickly reduce England to 29-3. It was a very impressive effort from the teenage wicketkeeper and showed her potential for greatness. 

Leah Paul vs England 

Ireland’s Leah Paul certainly impressed as she completed an incredible catch to dismiss Alice Capsey. The English batswoman had scored 51 off 22 balls, and Paul managed to run to her right and dive for the low catch. It was a difficult task, but Paul’s athleticism and prowess saw her pull it off. 

Raising standards offer hope of best-ever World Cup return - Ireland preview

Creator: Oisin Keniry | Credit: Getty Images Copyright: 2022 Oisin Keniry

Alice Capsey’s entertaining innings were cut short when Leah Paul plucked a terrific catch at long-off. Ireland was relieved to see the back of Capsey as she attempted to clear the ropes with a slower leg-cutter. The ball was slowly descending, but Paul managed to catch it with both hands, making a successful save. 

Eden Carson vs Australia 

Unfortunately, luck was not on Beth Mooney‘s side when she attempted a big shot over the backward point region against New Zealand. Although she swung for the fences, her attempt fell short.

Eden Carson made an impressive catch at knee height, stretching her hand full tilt and taking the ball. This acrobatic effort was one of the best catches of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and a testament to her skill and athleticism. 

Grace Harris vs Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan skipper Chamari Athapathhu attempted a big hit against the bowling of all-rounder Ellyse Perry but wasn’t able to hit it with enough power and precision.

Grace Harris | Stats, Bio, Facts and Career Info

Creator: MARCO LONGARI

Unfortunately, her attempt fell short. Grace Harris showed off her athleticism and prowess at mid-on, taking a stunning catch that surprised everyone. She had to fly to her right in order to grab the ball and was able to do so with impressive agility and skill. 

Chinelle Henry vs England 

England batter Sophia Dunkley’s attempt to smack a full-length delivery straight over the bowler’s head ended in disappointment as Chinelle Henry was able to keep track of the ball and complete a difficult catch. It was a testament to her skill and awareness in the field. Chinelle Henry’s sharp reflexes were on display, helping West Indies to get rid of the dangerous Sophia Dunkley. Dunkley had scored 34 off 18 deliveries Iand was well-set, but Henry’s catch gave Windies the breakthrough they needed.

The Mighty Australians win the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup for a record 6th time

The Australian women have emerged as the champions of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023. The defending champions crushed the South Africans by 19 runs to win the T20 World Cup for the sixth time. With the win, the Australians have won the title for the third consecutive time, creating a world record in the history of international cricket.

Batting first, the Australians rode on Beth Mooney’s fantastic innings of 74 runs in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The left-handed batter had a bit of support from Alyssa Healy and Ashleigh Gardner to ensure the team reached a competitive total of 156 runs from their quota of 20 overs. For the hosts, Shabnim Ismail had a wonderful spell giving away just 26 runs from her four overs and taking two crucial wickets.

In the second innings of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, South Africa didn’t have a great start. The team scored just 22 runs in the first six overs. But with the wickets in hand, the team knew they could capitalize in the middle overs. A 55-run stand between the in-form batter Laura Wolvaardt (61 off 48 balls) and Chloe Tryon (25 off 23 balls) got the South Africans in the chase. However, some clever bowling from the Australians derailed the momentum of the South Africans.

The likes of Megan Schutt, Gardner, and Darcie Brown gave little away as South Africa was left with too much to do in the end. All that the hosts could manage was 137/6, as the Australian bowlers remained calm right through.

Meg Lanning, the Australian captain, had encouraging words for her team. In the post-match interview, the skipper said, “It’s a pretty special effort from the group. All the teams came hard at us, but I’m super proud of the way we kept fighting back. We felt like it was a good score, but we had to put pressure on South Africa.”

The Australian women have lifted the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup trophy a record 6 times (2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2020, 2023). Meg Lanning, their charismatic captain, has alone lifted the cup four times.

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