Indian Superstars of Women’s Cricket – Who Are They?
Indian women’s cricket has witnessed a meteoric rise, producing world-class players who have dominated the international stage. These cricketing superstars have not only brought glory to India but also inspired a new generation of young girls to take up the sport. From explosive batters to lethal bowlers and exceptional all-rounders, Indian women’s cricket is thriving with immense talent.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top Indian women cricketers who have left an indelible mark on the game and continue to shape the future of women’s cricket.
1. Smriti Mandhana – The Elegant Stroke Player
One of India’s most stylish left-handed batters, Smriti Mandhana is a global cricketing icon. Known for her classy cover drives and aggressive intent, she has been a mainstay in India’s batting lineup across formats.
Key Achievements of Smriti Mandhana:
- ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year (2018 & 2021)
- First Indian woman to score an ODI century in Australia
- Leading run-scorer for India in multiple T20I series
Mandhana’s consistency and ability to dominate bowlers make her a superstar of Indian women’s cricket.
2. Harmanpreet Kaur – The Power Hitter & Captain
The captain of India’s T20 team, Harmanpreet Kaur is known for her explosive batting and fearless leadership. Her 171 off 115 balls against Australia in the 2017 Women’s World Cup semifinal* remains one of the greatest innings in women’s cricket history.
Key Achievements of Harmanpreet Kaur:
- First Indian woman to score a T20I century
- Led India to a historic Commonwealth Games silver medal (2022)
- One of the first Indian women to play in franchise leagues like WBBL & The Hundred
Harmanpreet’s aggressive style of play has made her a game-changer in modern women’s cricket.
3. Mithali Raj – The Legendary Leader
Although she retired in 2022, Mithali Raj’s impact on Indian cricket is unparalleled. She is the highest run-scorer in women’s ODIs and has led India to multiple ICC finals. With a career spanning over two decades, Mithali set new benchmarks for consistency and leadership.
Key Achievements of Mithali Raj:
- First Indian woman to score 7,000+ ODI runs
- Led India to the 2017 Women’s World Cup Final
- Winner of Arjuna Award, Padma Shri & Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna
Mithali’s contribution to Indian cricket has been instrumental in transforming women’s cricket into a mainstream sport.
4. Jhulan Goswami – The Fast-Bowling Legend
A name synonymous with fast bowling in women’s cricket, Jhulan Goswami was India’s spearhead for nearly two decades. She retired as the highest wicket-taker in women’s ODIs, leaving behind a legacy of excellence.
Key Achievements of Jhulan Goswami:
- 255 ODI wickets – Most by any woman in history
- ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year (2007)
- Played in six ODI World Cups for India
Jhulan’s ability to swing the ball and bowl with pace made her one of the greatest fast bowlers in women’s cricket history.
5. Deepti Sharma – The Ultimate All-Rounder
A key player in India’s squad, Deepti Sharma is one of the finest all-rounders in women’s cricket today. Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes her an asset in all formats.
Key Achievements of Deepti Sharma:
- Scored 188 runs in an ODI innings – Highest by an Indian woman
- One of the top-ranked T20I all-rounders globally
- Crucial performer in India’s historic Commonwealth Games campaign
With her match-winning performances, Deepti continues to be an integral part of India’s success.
6. Shafali Verma – The Young Phenom
At just 16, Shafali Verma took the cricketing world by storm with her fearless batting. She became the youngest Indian cricketer (male or female) to play in a World Cup final in 2020.
Key Achievements of Shafali Verma:
- Fastest fifty in women’s T20I for India (off 26 balls)
- Led India to the U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup title (2023)
- Regular performer in franchise leagues worldwide
Shafali’s aggressive batting style makes her one of the most exciting young talents in world cricket.
7. Richa Ghosh – India’s Power Hitter
A rising star in Indian cricket, Richa Ghosh is known for her ability to finish matches with her explosive hitting. Playing as a wicketkeeper-batter, she has been crucial for India in T20I and ODI formats.
Key Achievements of Richa Ghosh:
- One of India’s fastest T20I half-centuries
- Played a key role in India’s 2023 U-19 T20 World Cup win
- Regular performer in Women’s Premier League (WPL) & Big Bash League
Richa’s fearless approach has made her one of India’s best finishers in women’s cricket.
Conclusion
Indian women’s cricket is filled with exceptional talent, and these superstars have played a pivotal role in taking the sport to new heights. From experienced legends like Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami to young sensations like Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh, these cricketers have made a significant impact on the game.
With the growing popularity of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and global franchise tournaments, the future of Indian women’s cricket looks brighter than ever. As more young girls are inspired to take up the sport, India will continue to produce world-class cricketers who will dominate the international stage.
FAQ’s ?
Mithali Raj holds the record for most runs in women’s ODIs, scoring over 7,000 runs in her career.
Harmanpreet Kaur became the first Indian woman to score a T20I century during the 2018 Women’s T20 World Cup.
Jhulan Goswami is regarded as India’s greatest fast bowler, with 255 ODI wickets, the most in women’s cricket history.
Several Indian players like Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, Shafali Verma, and Deepti Sharma have featured in leagues like the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) and The Hundred.
Shafali Verma was the youngest Indian cricketer (male or female) to play in a World Cup final at the age of 16 during the 2020 Women’s T20 World Cup.