Cricket has always been more than just a sport in India; it is an emotion that unites millions. For decades, the spotlight was largely on men’s cricket, but over the last two decades, women’s cricket in India has seen a remarkable rise. From producing world-class stars like Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami to discovering fresh young talent such as Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh, the women’s game has found its place in the hearts of Indian fans.
This blog takes you through the journey of women’s cricket in India, the legends who shaped its foundation, the rising stars who represent its future, and how the landscape is changing with the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and growing global recognition.
A Brief History of Women’s Cricket in India
Women’s cricket in India dates back to the early 1970s when the Women’s Cricket Association of India (WCAI) was formed. The first official Test match for India’s women was played in 1976 against the West Indies. Over the years, the team battled not only on the field but also against challenges such as limited infrastructure, lack of sponsors, and minimal media coverage.
The turning point came in 2006, when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took over women’s cricket. This move provided better funding, training facilities, and exposure. Since then, India’s women have grown into global competitors, reaching World Cup finals and becoming household names.
Trailblazers: Legends Who Paved the Way
Mithali Raj – The Run Machine
Mithali Raj is often called the “Queen of Indian Cricket.” With over 10,000 international runs, she is among the highest run-getters in women’s cricket worldwide. Her calm presence at the crease, consistency, and leadership made her the backbone of the Indian team for two decades.
Jhulan Goswami – The Speedster
Standing tall with her fiery pace, Jhulan Goswami is considered one of the greatest fast bowlers in women’s cricket. With more than 350 international wickets, she set the benchmark for aspiring bowlers in India. Jhulan’s discipline, longevity, and passion made her an inspiration for generations.
Harmanpreet Kaur – The Game Changer
Harmanpreet announced herself on the global stage with a stunning 171* against Australia in the 2017 World Cup semi-final. Known for her aggressive batting and fearless captaincy, she represents the modern era of Indian women’s cricket.
The Current Stars of Indian Women’s Cricket
Smriti Mandhana – The Stylish Opener
Smriti Mandhana has become a global icon with her elegant batting style. Known for her timing and grace, she consistently provides strong starts for India. Beyond the numbers, she has become a role model for young girls who aspire to play cricket.
Shafali Verma – The Explosive Batter
At just 15, Shafali Verma made headlines for her fearless hitting. Often compared to Virender Sehwag for her aggressive batting, Shafali has already played key roles in T20 World Cups and the WPL. Her raw talent makes her one of the brightest prospects for the future.
Deepti Sharma – The All-Rounder
Deepti Sharma’s ability to contribute both with bat and ball makes her invaluable. She has been part of match-winning partnerships and delivered crucial overs under pressure.
Richa Ghosh – The Finisher
Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh has impressed with her power-hitting skills. Her ability to finish games and provide quick runs has added depth to the Indian batting lineup.
Rising Talent to Watch Out For
Women’s cricket in India is blessed with a pipeline of exciting young players.
- Uma Chetry – A promising wicketkeeper-batter who is being groomed as a long-term option.
- Sayali Satghare – A bowling all-rounder showing great promise with both bat and ball.
- Harleen Deol – Known for her athletic fielding and sharp batting, she is a fan favorite.
- Renuka Singh Thakur – A fast bowler who has stepped into the shoes of Jhulan Goswami, impressing with her swing and accuracy.
These players represent the new generation of cricketers who are hungry for success and determined to put Indian women’s cricket at the top.
The Impact of the Women’s Premier League (WPL)
The launch of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2023 changed the face of Indian women’s cricket. Much like the IPL did for men’s cricket, the WPL has provided a platform for Indian and international players to showcase their skills, earn financial rewards, and gain global recognition.
The WPL has:
- Boosted the visibility of women’s cricket.
- Attracted young talent from small towns.
- Offered players the opportunity to play alongside legends.
- Helped fans connect with women cricketers as celebrities.
This league is a massive step toward making women’s cricket mainstream in India.
Challenges Still Ahead
Despite the progress, there are challenges to overcome:
- Equal Pay and Opportunities – Although the BCCI recently announced equal match fees for men and women, domestic players still need better financial support.
- Infrastructure – Grassroots-level facilities and coaching need improvement to encourage young girls to take up cricket.
- Consistent Exposure – More bilateral series and tournaments are needed to give players regular competitive experience.
The Future of Women’s Cricket in India
The future looks bright for women’s cricket in India. With increasing fan support, growing media coverage, and financial backing through leagues like the WPL, the women’s team is no longer in the shadows.
Young players are not just dreaming of wearing the India jersey—they’re actually seeing it as a career option. Schools and academies are also becoming more inclusive, ensuring that talent from every corner of India gets an opportunity.
Why Indian Fans Should Support Women’s Cricket
Women’s cricket is no longer about comparisons with the men’s game—it’s about appreciating the unique skill, passion, and talent of the players. Supporting women’s cricket helps:
- Encourage gender equality in sports.
- Inspire millions of young girls to pursue their dreams.
- Build India’s reputation as a cricketing powerhouse across both men’s and women’s formats.
Women’s cricket in India has grown from humble beginnings to global recognition, thanks to the dedication of legends and the energy of young stars. Players like Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami built a strong foundation, while today’s stars like Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Shafali Verma are carrying the game forward with style and confidence.
The Women’s Premier League has already begun transforming the landscape, giving fans more opportunities to connect with their favorite cricketers. With rising talent making its mark, the future of women’s cricket in India is filled with hope, excitement, and endless possibilities.
As fans, embracing this journey and cheering for our women cricketers will only make the sport stronger. After all, cricket in India is not just a man’s game—it belongs equally to the incredible women who play it with courage and skill.
