Jhulan Goswami, the former cricketer and bowling icon from India, expressed her sorrow over the loss of her childhood coach, Swapan Sadhu, whose influence was crucial in steering her career. The esteemed mentor, who was instrumental in training multiple cricketers at Vivekananda Park in Kolkata, passed away on January 6, Monday, at the age of 77. Goswami, who is celebrated as one of the greatest fast bowlers in women’s cricket, penned a heartfelt tribute in remembrance of her coach.
A Mentor Beyond the Game
In an emotional Instagram post, Jhulan Goswami shared a tribute along with a photograph of herself and her late coach. Reflecting on Sadhu’s significant impact on her life, she noted:
“Today, I lost not just a coach but a mentor and a guide. Swapan Sadhu sir, you shaped me both as a cricketer and as a person. Your lessons will forever echo in my heart. Rest in peace, and thank you for everything. You will always be remembered. Om Shanti.”
The Early Days of a Star
The influence of Swapan Sadhu during Goswami’s early years in cricket was profound. The cricketer, hailing from Chakdaha, would travel around 67 kilometers to Kolkata to train under his tutelage. His guidance and steadfast support laid the groundwork for her remarkable career. The combination of Goswami’s commitment to the sport and Sadhu’s mentorship propelled her to become an international cricketing sensation.
The Dream That Started at Eden Gardens
The catalyst for Jhulan Goswami’s cricketing ambition was her role as a ball girl during the 1997 ICC Women’s World Cup final held at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. In a BCCI video shared prior to her farewell match in 2022, she recounted:
“In 1997, I saw the women’s World Cup final at the Eden Gardens between Australia and New Zealand as a ball girl. That day, I dreamt of representing my country one day. That is how I started. I put a lot of effort just to represent my country, and that is the biggest moment of my life so far.”
A Career of Legendary Proportions
Spanning over two decades, Jhulan Goswami’s career is a tribute to her tenacity, expertise, and love for the game. She made her international debut in 2002 and represented India in 12 Tests, 204 ODIs, and 68 T20Is, taking an impressive total of 355 wickets across formats. Goswami is the leading wicket-taker in women’s ODIs, securing 255 wickets in 203 innings. Her Test career boasts 44 wickets, which includes a remarkable 10-for-78 performance, making her the youngest to achieve this milestone at just 23 years old.
Her achievements in T20Is are also noteworthy, with 56 wickets in 68 matches. Her final international appearance was on September 24, 2022, against England, where she showcased her skill with impressive figures of 10-3-30-2, capping her illustrious career on a high note.
Honored by the Cricketing Fraternity
Since her retirement, Goswami’s impact on Indian cricket has been widely acknowledged. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) announced plans to rename a stand at the historic Eden Gardens in her honor. The Block B gallery is set to be inaugurated on January 22, 2025, coinciding with an India men’s T20I against England. This recognition immortalizes her legacy at the ground where her dreams began.
A Tribute to the Foundation of Greatness
In reflecting on her journey, Goswami has often credited those who supported her along the way, with Swapan Sadhu being a key figure in her success. His passing is a significant loss for the cricketing community. As Goswami poignantly stated, his teachings will remain etched in her heart and in the hearts of all he guided.
Image Source: Jhulan Goswami @ Instagram
