New Delhi: Future ICC Hall of Famer Jhulan Goswami took to Twitter to share an emotional statement less than 24 hours after her last international match at the iconic Lords' stadium. Jhulan, in a heartfelt note, said 'she has always been honest as a cricketer and hopes she has been able to contribute to the growth of women's cricket in India and the world. The legendary Indian pacer said she hoped she inspired the next generation of girls to play this beautiful game.
A fairy-tale farewell!
In Jhulan Goswami's last match, batting first, India scored 169 runs in 45.4 overs. In reply, England were bundled out for 153 runs in 43.4 overs. Goswami bagged 2 wickets giving away 30 runs in her 10 overs. After Jhulan's quota of 10 overs was over, Indian players congratulated and hugged the legend.
Read the full text below...
"To my cricket family and beyond So, the day has finally arrived! Like every journey has an end, my cricket journey of over 20 years ends today as I announce my retirement from all forms of cricket. As Ernest Hemingway said, "It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters in the end". For me this journey has been the most satisfying. It has been exhilarating, thrilling to say the least adventurous. I have had the honour of donning the India jersey for over two decades and serving my country at the best of my abilities. There is a sense of pride every time I hear the National Anthem before a match.Cricket has given me several gifts over the years, the greatest and the best without doubt, has been the people I have met along this journey. The friends I made, my competitors, teammates, the journalists I interacted with, match officials, board administrators and people who loved watching me play.I have always been honest as a cricketer and hope, I have been able to contribute to the growth of women's cricket in India and the world. I hope I have been successful in inspiring the next generation of girls to play this beautiful game.Ever since watching the Women's World Cup final at Eden Gardens back in 1997, it was my dream to play for India, and I am thankful to the BCCI (Board of Control For Cricket In India). CAB (Cricket Association of Bengal), Women's Cricket Association of India (WCAI) and Air India officials for reposing faith in me and giving me the opportunity to fulfil my dream.I want to thank the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for taking care of my injuries and keeping me fit as a fiddle over the years. I am grateful to all the coaches, trainers, physios, and ground staff who have been an integral part of this journey. A huge shout out to all the captains I have played under. Their faith in my abilities helped build my confidence.I want to take a moment to thank my family (my parents, siblings) who stood by me in every situation. Not to forget my friends, who have been my best critics and biggest supporters. Last but not the least, I want to thank my childhood coach for having backed me in my endeavour.I also want to express my gratitude towards my fans, journalists, broadcasters for backing me and giving wings to women's cricket.I have cherished every moment of the last 20 years of my life as an international cricketer with my teammates on and off the field. I have always loved you cricket and even as ! retire as a professional player, I will never be too far away from you."
- Jhulan Goswami
Jhulan Goswami, popularly known as "Chakda Express", is the highest wicket-taker in the world. Jhulan, who made her international debut on 6th January 2002, has taken 355 wickets in 284 matches in a career spanning 19 years.