World Cup Is Like An Olympic Event For Us: Jhulan Goswami

Veteran Indian pacer Jhulan Goswami is nearing the end of his international career. She has achieved almost everything as an international cricketer barring the much-coveted World Cup title. Ageing 39, she is keen on making one last effort at winning the title in the upcoming Women’s World Cup 2022.

Jhulan Goswami is part of the 15-member team that will travel to New Zealand this week and play a T20 and five ODIs to prepare for the marquee event. Before leaving for New Zealand. she spoke about her dream of winning the World Cup and how vital it is for India’s women’s cricket team.

“As cricketers, we, don’t play the Olympics. For us, World Cup is like an Olympic event. You prepare for four years to reach a certain level. When the mega event finally comes, you go enjoy there and express yourself,” said the Jhulan in an interaction at the WINS (Women in News and Sport) Workshop, run by ABC International Development and funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Dealing with the quarantine challenges due to Covid is something that the players will have to be careful about is what Jhulan Goswami spoke about in the interaction too.

Dealing With Quarantine Requires Lot Of Mental Strength: Jhulan Goswami

“We are doing a quarantine in India first, then again one has to be in quarantine in New Zealand, so it’s going to be tough. It requires a lot of mental strength. The preparation does not just include training but also having to stay in a room.

“We are not able to go out, we are not able to take fresh air. But we accept all the rigours; ultimately getting to do what we love to — play cricket. From the last 25 years, I’m doing just this, hence I can do this sacrifice,” she added saying.

The side has bitter memories of losing out to England in the 2017 ICC Women’s final. Jhulan was a member of the side that went down against the eventual champions.

“With our appearance in the 2017 World Cup final, women’s cricket has seen a surge in viewership. A lot more people have started following, matches are shown regularly on the television, social media has also played its role. So, I think it was the moment that women’s cricket needed,” she concluded saying.

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