Jhulan: Time for a revolution in women’s cricket

Encouraged by the backing the Indian side got even after losing in the World Cup final, Jhulan said it was time for women cricketers to raise the bar.

Jhulan Goswami said she would now be focused on preparing for the women’s World T20, scheduled to be held in the West Indies.

Seasoned pacer Jhulan Goswami said the unprecedented support for the Indian cricket team in the women’s World Cup should start a revolution for the sport.

Encouraged by the backing the Indian side got even after losing in the World Cup final, Jhulan said it was time for women cricketers to raise the bar. “Hope this has created a big revolution in women’s cricket. Like Australia and England we have to take women’s cricket to a higher level,” said Jhulan, on her arrival here on Friday.

Veda: 'We don't blame each other for defeats'

The 34-year-old said the team learnt a lot during the World Cup. “We learnt how to make a comeback against a strong opponent. We gathered a lot of belief after we beat England in the first match. It set the tone for the tournament.

“We disappointed so many Indians, we feel sorry for them. But we will try our level best.”

Asked about the team’s interaction with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jhulan said, “The Prime Minister was excited. He said ‘Even though you lost, our people welcomed you like heroes. That’s good news for women’s cricket. From here you start a new journey.’”

Comparing India’s appearance in the 2005 World Cup final, where she was part of the team, with the recent achievement, Jhulan said, “In 2005 there was not much television coverage, not so much of social media, women’s cricket did not have so much of money and it could not be publicised well.

“This time ICC publicised women’s cricket well with good branding and worldwide promotion. This has to be the best women’s World Cup. Like men cricketers, we got all kinds of facilities. Social media played a big role. The way we played in this World Cup, we got a lot of appreciation.

“The felicitations cannot erase the sorrow of not winning the final. Nothing can substitute that. We have to prepare for the next World Cup after four years, some players will be there and some will not be there. But this chance is not going to come again,” said Jhulan.

Jhulan said she would now be focused on preparing for the women’s World T20, scheduled to be held in the West Indies, after a short break.