‘You Get Fewer Balls But…’: Richa Ghosh Honoured As Bengal’s Sole World Cup Winner | Cricket News

Richa Ghosh flanked by Sourav Ganguly and Mamata Banerjee (Picture credit: X @AITCofficial)

Former India cricketer Sourav Ganguly was effusive in praise of Richa Ghosh, the star wicketkeeper-batter who became the first cricketer from Bengal to win a World Cup, lauding her efforts in batting lower down the order, where one gets fewer balls but has to score quickly.

The Cricket Association of Bengal rewarded Richa with Rs 34 lakh, Rs 1 lakh for every run she scored in the final.

Former BCCI president and CAB chief Ganguly, who almost clinched a World Cup against Australia in 2003, captured the emotion of the day.

“The World Cup triumph is a special, special win and only Richa can tell us what that feels like. Your career has just begun. Women’s cricket will grow massively in the next four to six years and there will be more opportunities,” Ganguly said while speaking at Richa’s felicitation ceremony.

“I hope you make the most of them and one day, like Jhulan, we will stand here and say: ‘Richa — India captain’. You are just 22… You have got time. All blessings and heartiest congratulations,” Ganguly added.

Richa played a crucial role in India’s title victory over South Africa, scoring a vital 34 off 24 deliveries at No. 7, including three fours and two sixes, helping India post 298/7. South Africa were bowled out for 246 in reply.

“The role she plays batting lower down the order is very difficult. You get fewer balls, but you have to score the most runs. People may remember Jemimah’s 127* or Harmanpreet’s 89 in the semifinals, but Richa’s strike rate of 130-plus made the difference. What she has done so simply is equal in value to Smriti or Harman,” Ganguly said.

For Jhulan, India’s highest wicket-taker in ODIs, it was an emotional moment having missed the Cup after losing to England in the 2017 final.

Jhulan recalled how a young Richa was spotted during Bengal’s 2013 district trials in Siliguri, a programme the former had launched after India couldn’t reach the Super Six that year.