Jhulan Goswami is on her way to play her fifth ODI World Cup in her cricket career of 20+ years. Since her India debut in 2002, the bowler featured in 274 matches for India. In fact, she holds the record for the most number of wickets in ODI women's cricket. Just a few days before the upcoming ODI World Cup she recalls many aspects of cricket and how it has changed over the past years.

Read also: "When I retire after this tournament, I will see that the squad is far more stronger with the upcoming new talent:" Mithali Raj

Jhulan spoke on how fast bowling has changed and evolved over the years. She significantly implied the necessities of physical exercise. Along with that, she added the reasons behind many women fast bowlers are switching to spin, and a lot more.

In an interview with Annesha Ghosh, Jhulan discussed when and how she noticed the trend shift in her career of more than two decades. "Amita Sharma, Rumeli Dhar, and I played as the three front-line seamers in an XI for the best part of a decade. Noosheen and Neetu David would be the two spinners. Sometimes Deepa Kulkarni would play as the third spinner. Rumeli would slot in as the batting allrounder, Amita and I would be the bowlers who could bat. That was the combination for a long time and the change was largely down to the gradual improvement in the quality of wickets for women's cricket, especially after the merging .

Read also: ICC Women's World Cup 2022: Teams will be allowed to field 9 players if Covid strikes

I was very impressed with her action: Jhulan on Ellyse Perry

Jhulan Goswami was all in praise for Ellyse Perry. Jhulan believes that the Australian cricketer is the best pace bowling all-rounder she ever witnessed. On being asked about the best pace-bowling allrounder she ever saw, she replied, "Ellyse Perry. Just before her international debut, she came to India as part of a New South Wales squad. Alyssa Healy and Erin Osborne were also in it. We played Perry during a practice game in Mysore, which we lost. I was very impressed with her action - she had a good, high-arm action - and she was quite quick. Her progress has been phenomenal."

She further added, "She debuted as a bowler but went on to become a genuine allrounder who can bat excellently across formats. It's no joke to be able to do that - high-quality fast bowling opening the innings, and batting Nos. 4 and 5 consistently. Australia have an immense reputation as a cricket-playing nation and in women's cricket obviously, they have been the most successful team, so the pressure is even higher. It requires a lot of discipline and good work ethic, otherwise, you cannot be that consistent across all formats."

There is still that gap in terms of coaches, strength-and-conditioning personnel: Jhulan Goswami

When asked about the difference in preparation at the domestic level, she discussed the pattern and processes. "Well, in domestic cricket in India, it is pretty much entirely the players' job, which is why so many of our young pacers leave the game early or switch to spin because there is not much guidance that they get. Our domestic set-up is not as evolved as Australia or England. Only if you individually take ownership of looking after your body do you have a chance of succeeding at the domestic level and progressing to the national level," said Jhulan.
She further said, "You may have all the information, or most of it is available on the internet or from the state association, but there is still that gap in terms of coaches, strength-and-conditioning personnel, and trainers not being available to domestic players. And some states may not give you the kind of facilities like others do, so as a player, the responsibility is yours to improve your skills and your processes."

Women's cricket saw a shift in spinners taking the key role these days. Jhulan said on this, In the past four-five years, we've seen spin take on a more prominent role than it had in the earlier years . To my mind, that's because the concept of the game has changed, primarily because of T20. The dynamism that spinners bring to an attack is indispensable. T20 has been the primary vehicle for the growth of the women's game in the last ten years or so, and the WBBL's arrival has coincided with this phase. So spin making a comeback is no surprise."

Information sourced from Annesha Ghosh's interview at The Cricket Monthly.

Every cricketer's dream is to play for his country but when his game is appreciated at the international level and he is honored with the biggest award of that game, then it shows the ability, dedication and hard work of that player. 

Similarly, considering the performance throughout the year in cricket, the international body of cricket honors the players with ICC Award every year.

It is part of the ICC Awards and is one of the most prestigious individual accolades in cricket, recognizing outstanding consistency, impact, and contributions to the sport at the international level.

The recipient is awarded the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, named after the legendary West Indies all-rounder.

In this article, we will take a look at the Indian cricketers who have won ICC Cricketer of the Year Award (Men's and Women's) so far.

ICC Cricketer of the Year Award (Men's and Women's) | Indian cricketer 

Rahul Dravid | 2004

Former India captain Rahul Dravid won the two prestigious awards in the year 2004. He was the first Indian to secure any ICC awards. 

Fondly dubbed as ‘The Wall’ by fans, Dravid’s heroics in the longest format of the game are known to all, and he put out one of his finest performances in 2004.

The former India head coach played 12 Tests that year, scoring 946 runs at an average of 67.6, including two centuries and four fifties. 

His highest score in Test cricket that year came against Pakistan in Rawalpindi as he notched up a humungous 270(495), helping India get to a first-innings total of 600 after the hosts’ 224.

Overall, Dravid finished with 1971 runs in 43 international matches, Tests and ODIs combined. 

He hit three hundreds and a massive 14 half-centuries, hitting 207 fours and five sixes. 

Since the T20I format wasn’t introduced in 2004, Dravid finished with 1025 runs in 31 ODIs.

Also Read: ICC Men's Cricketer of the year since 2004

Jhulan Goswami | 2007

Jhulan Goswami has become the first player from India to take the ICC Women's Player of the Year award in 2007. 

Goswami was also India's only representative in the individual player awards, with no representation from the men in the shortlist. 

She edged out Australia's Lisa Sthalekar and England's Claire Taylor.

The title was just reward for her bowling average of 12.40 in Tests and 21.80 in ODIs and, since Australia's Cathryn Fitzpatrick retired earlier this year, Goswami has also become the fastest female bowler in the world. 

She may have pace, but she has the accuracy to match, with an economy rate of 2.10 in Tests and 3.17 in ODIs.

Goswami is the second winner of the award after Karen Rolton won the prize in 2006.

Sachin Tendulkar | 2010

Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar won the ICC Cricketer of the Year award in 2010. 

Tendulkar fought off competition from Sehwag, Hashim Amla and Graeme Swann, the other nominees in the Cricketer of the Year category.

During the period Tendulkar scored 1064 runs at an average of 81.84 in ten Tests. 

He made 914 runs in 17 ODIs at 65.28, and also scored the format's first double-century against South Africa in Gwalior. 

Tendulkar was 37 years old in 2010, and he holds the record for being the oldest cricketer to win the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy.

Ravichandran Ashwin | 2016

Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin, who very recently announced his retirement from international cricket, won the esteemed awards in the year 2016. 

Ashwin played his last international game against Australia and ended his career after the third Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 Test at The Gabba.

Ashwin finished the year 2016 with 72 wickets in just 12 Tests, including eight five-wicket hauls and three 10-wicket hauls. 

He also added 612 runs to his account, including two half-centuries.

Ashwin played only two ODIs and picked up two wickets while he played 17 T20Is, taking 23 scalps and registering bowling figures of 4/8 that year. 

Overall, the now 38-year-old played 31 international matches and picked up 97 wickets.

Virat Kohli | 2017

Indian former Test skipper Virat Kohli has won the ICC Men's Cricketer Of The Year award first time in 2017 for his brilliant run at international cricket.

Kohli has aggregated 1059 runs in 10 tests, while he smashed 1460 runs in 26 ODIs. 

Kohli has smashed 11 hundred including three double hundreds across formats in the year 2017. 

Meanwhile, with 299 T20I runs, Virat Kohli has aggregated 2818 runs in 2017 across formats. 

He has also registered 27,324 runs so far during his international cricket career. 

Therefore for his brilliant performance throughout the year, he has been rewarded with the ICC Men's Cricketer Of The Year award.

Also Read: ICC Men's Cricketer of the year winners of last ten years

Virat Kohli | 2018

Yes, you read it write it's again Virat Kohli who has won the award back to back in 2017 & 2018. 

Former Indian skipper Kohli has also broken the record of Sachin Tendulkar to become the fastest to score 10000 runs in ODI cricket this year. 

Kohli has aggregated 2735 runs across formats in 2018 including 11 hundred to his name. The former Indian white-ball captain has also retained the Border Gavaskar Trophy in the same year. 

Kohli has ended the year as the number 1 batsman in Tests and ODIs. 

Therefore, he received the award from ICC as the men's cricketer of the year 2018.

Smriti Mandhana | 2018

Smriti Mandhana has won the ICC's Women's Cricketer of the Year Award in 2018. 

Mandhana, who was named ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year and ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2018, pipped fellow opening batters Beaumont, Lizelle Lee of South Africa, and Gaby Lewis of Ireland to the honour. 

Jhulan Goswami, who won the same award in 2007, is the only other Indian woman to ever win an ICC annual award.

In 2018, Mandhana had finished atop the run chart in women's ODIs with 669 runs at an average of 66.90 and was the third-highest scorer in T20Is with 622 runs at a strike rate of 130.67.

Jasprit Bumrah | 2024

Jasprit Bumrah was awarded the ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year in 2024 due to his outstanding performances in all formats of the game.

Bumrah also became the first Indian pacer to win the award and was instrumental in India's success in the home Test series against England and Bangladesh. 

He also played a crucial role in the T20 World Cup win for his side.

Bumrah beat tough competition from Travis Head, Joe Root and Harry Brook to win the prestigious award. 

The pacer became the 5th Indian to win the award after Rahul Dravid (2004), Sachin Tendulkar (2010), Ravichandran Ashwin (2016) and Virat Kohli (2017, 2018).

Bumrah also won the ICC men's Test Cricketer Of The Year award as well after being the standout performer for India during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, where he picked up 32 wickets.

The Indian pacer started the year with a terrific performance against England at home before he switched his attention to the T20 World Cup. 

Bumrah ended the tournament with 15 wickets and an average of 8.26 as India defeated South Africa in the final to lift the trophy.

The Indian pacer was adjudged as the Player Of the Tournament for his performance.

Bumrah's performance in Tests made him really stand out from the rest of the nominees. The pacer picked up 71 wickets in 13 matches, the highest by any bowler in 2024.

Bengal Women's Senior Cricket team played two out of two finals of domestic cricket this season. Though they were not able to win any of them, they showed why they are India's one of the best.

In the BCCI Senior Women's One-Day trophy final, Madhya Pradesh defeated them. Meantime, in the T20 final, Mumbai outclassed them. Apart from those two games, they looked like the best team in the country.

After the completion of the One-Day tournament, Sportz Point was lucky to have a conversation with five of the stars of this team. Openers Sasthi Mondal and Dhara Gujjar along with all-rounders Mita Paul and Tanusree Sarkar, plus wiicket-keeper Priyanka Bala shared their thoughts before going for the Challengers Trophy.

Lots of runs and a fearless approach

Despite having a good team over the years, this was only the second time the Bengal Senior Women's team reached the final in One-Day tournament. But, the 2019 champions had to create some of their own records to reach the final after five years.

In the quarter-finals, they defeated Shafali Verma's Haryana by chasing a record 390. With that, they also became the team with highest successful chase in Women's List-A cricket. In the semis, they again chased down 301 to beat the defending champions, Railways.

History! 😲🔥

Bengal women's team creates history by chasing down Haryana's 390 in 49.1 overs in the quarter-finals of the BCCI Senior Women's One-Day Tournament. pic.twitter.com/SnMFkKPlGt

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) December 23, 2024

These run chases and high scores are a bit alien in Women's Cricket; especially in India. But, Bengal girls feel, that Women's cricket is improving at a rapid speed and this is just the start.

Dhara Gujjar, who scored a stunning 123 in the semis against Railways feels, there is a change in the mindset of the players now. "As we have seen it in the knockout stages, honestly, I feel there is a change in the mindset of the players where they want to go and express themselves and play fearlessly," Dhara told Sportz Point.

Read Also | "Keep an eye on Mita Paul and Dhara Gujjar": Former Indian Cricketer Gargi Banerjee after Byju's Bengal Women's T20 Blast

Her opening partner, Sasthi Mondal echoed the same thoughts. Sasthi, who featured for India U-19s in the recent past, made her senior debut this season. "Obviously, there is a change in the mindset of the players. But, for me, this is my style of batting and I love this kind of game," the 19-year-old all-rounder expressed.

However, senior players like Mita Paul and Priyanka Bala feel there is another thing which is attributed to high-scoring games. Along with the fearless mindset, the pitches are also responsible for the amount of runs we have seen this season. As per Mita, the pitches this season have been mostly great for batting. That allowed them to go for the shots and attack throughout the inning.

Read Also | Bengal Cricket: 7 U-19 cricketers from Bengal who can play for India in future

Priyanka Bala, who scored the invaluable unbeaten 88 in that chase against Haryana feels the same as well. "Pitches were definitely better. Earlier the runs used to be around the 120-run mark. Now, you can see 200s in T20s and 300s in ODIs. So, it is great to see such facilities given to us now," the wicket-keeper batter shared.

Not only that, Bala feels if BCCI can provide pitches like this, we are not far away from having 400s being scored in Women's One Day games.

Tanusree Sarkar, who laid the foundation for other batters with a 113 in that match can sense that there would be more records like this in future. "If you can get flat pitches like this, I feel anything can be chased down," Sarkar revealed.

But, even if you have the best conditions and circumstances, chasing down huge totals and doing that in back-to-back games, ain't a Bollywood movie script. For that, you need proper preparation and planning.

That record chase against Haryana

In both those games, each batter had their own plans and had their different roles too. For a young gun like Sasthi Mondal, there is only one way to play; smash the ball. She did that. "I am dominant from childhood. I like attacking the bowlers. I just did that. I did not go to bat thinking about the score," she said.

For Dhara, there were some initial doubts and she did not have any plan. She tried to take each over at a time and stay positive. "Honestly, there wasn’t any plan. And looking at the score, I didn’t believe that we would be able to get there. I just thought that I’m gonna go and play my shots and just take one over at a time," Dhara said while explaining her 69 runs at the top of the order against Haryana.

Tanusree meantime always had the belief that they could clinch the win. "I had the thought that we can win the match if we can stay positive. Once we had the momentum, we just wanted to keep the flow going."

Priyanka Bala and Mita Paul, who batted in the middle order during those chases in One-Day knockouts, had the same feelings. "Everyone had their role, described by the team management and the pitch allowed us to play shorts," Mita shared.

Bala, who averaged 69.33 with the bat in the tournament, always felt they were in the game in both games. "When Shafali (Verma) was hitting us like that, we did not panic. We knew we would have our chance. I think, being relaxed is what helped us a lot," she expressed.

Read Also | Exclusive | Taunts to Claps: Priyanka Bala's journey from rural village of Nadia to WPL

Though the batters had one of their best times in the One-Day tournament, it was the bowlers who performed in crunch moments in the T20 format.

In the quarter-final against Madhya Pradesh, Bengal bowlers restricted the opponents to 116. Then followed it up by defending only 134 against a strong Himachal Pradesh in the semis. Captain Saika Ishaque with 13 wickets and Mita Paul with 8 wickets in the tournament, were always in the scheme of things. India pacer Titas Sadhu also did well whenever she was released for national duties.

Debutants, Young Guns and Jhulan Goswami

Throughout the season, along with the seniors, it was the combination of youth and experience that helped Bengal triumph. Prativa Mandi, Sasthi Mondal, Hrishita Basu, and Monika Mal were among the debutants in the season.

"The youngsters did really well. I feel bowlers like Chandrima (16-year-old left-arm pacer), Prativa Mandi (17-year-old right-arm pacer) and others knew their roles. This helped us a lot," Mita Paul told Sportz Point.

"We had lots of debuts this season. But, honestly speaking, they all were ready," Priyanka Bala expressed while talking about the youngsters of the team.

"This time there were youngsters in our team and they jelled up quite well with the team. I tried communicating with them and helping them out if needed," Dhara Gujjar added.

But why was it so easy for 16 and 17-year-old teenagers to perform at that level? Jhulan Goswami is the answer. Bengal team management has been lucky to have the services of the most successful bowler in Women's Cricket history.

Sasthi Mondal, who had the luck of training under Jhulan from a very young age shared, "The best thing about Jhulan ma'am is that she makes you feel confident. She lets me be myself. But, she also knows when to push me to get the best out of myself."

However, along with the youngsters, there was someone who was starting from scratch for the Bengal team. Tanusree Sarkar, who previously had led the Bengal U-19 team, had joined Railways before taking an N.O.C to rejoin her home state this year. Priyanka Bala did the same as well a few years back.

"You can say that it was a homecoming for me. From Bengal U-19 to Railways and then to Bengal; but, I never think of these things that much. I try to stay in present," Tanusree expressed.

"As an all-rounder, I always look to find ways to contribute to the team. I always try to take things as they come; even in batting, bowling and fielding."

WPL and its impact

With all of these wins and defeats, each and every women cricketer in India now has one thing in the corner of their eyes. It is the Women's Premier League. All these five cricketers agreed on the fact that WPL has changed the dynamics of Women's Cricket in India.

Be it playing more shots, being quicker and more agile across the turf or having more tricks up their sleeves as a bowler, WPL now has given everyone a reason to be better. "⁠I feel, WPL has changed the approach of players, and also the mindset of the players has changed," Dhara commented.

Sasthi Mondal, Priyanka Bala and Mita did not even hesitate to agree with Dhara's thoughts. As per Mita, WPL is now like a bridge to play for India. If one can reach WPL and do well, they now have great chances of making it to the Indian team as well.

But, unfortunately, no Bengal players were able to attract bids in the WPL 2025 auction. Only Priyanka Bala and Sushmita Ganguly were listed in the final player's list in the auction, but could not find any bidder.

Read Also | WPL 2025 auction Updates, News, Biggest Buys and Final squads | Simran Shaikh becomes the expensive buy at INR 1.9 cr

However, these things do not demotivate Bengal players. Rather, it gives them the push to be better. "I think, we all believe in performance. It is the last thing. If I am not getting picked that means there are lots of players like me. So, I need to keep getting better than them and focus on my game," Mita Paul stated.

Bengal Players in the SWT20 Trophy

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats

Bengal players in SWODI Trophy

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats

India registered a huge victory on Sunday in the first match of the ODI series between India Women vs West Indies Women. They have defeated West Indies by a huge margin of 211 runs in this match.

This margin of victory is India's second-largest ever in terms of runs in Women's ODIs. Only above it is their 249-run demolition of Ireland in a quadrangular series in 2017. It's also West Indies' biggest-ever defeat in the format, beating their 208-run loss to England in 2019.

Also Read: Most WT20I runs in a calendar year

Let's take a look at the biggest wins for India in WODIs.

Biggest wins for India | WODI

1# 249 vs Ireland (2017)

The biggest win for India in Women's ODI was against Ireland in 2017. Chasing a whopping 359-run target in Potchefstroom, Ireland was bundled out for 109 in 40 overs as spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad and pacer Shikha Pandey dismissed four and three batters respectively.

The victory was made possible because of all-rounder Deepti Sharma scoring a career-best 188 (160), the second-highest individual score in the format at the time. Deepti, who has the second-highest average among ODI opening batters (min. 500 runs) to her name, used to open the batting frequently back in the day.

A mammoth 320-run opening stand alongside fellow centurion Punam Raut remains the highest partnership in the format to date. 

2# 211 vs West Indies (2024)

India scored their second-highest innings total at home, i.e., 314/9 in Vadodara today. Coincidently, both their 300+ ODI totals at home have come in 2024. Thanks to Smriti Mandhana's 91 off 102. Having missed out on becoming the fourth batter to register 10 ODI hundreds, Mandhana’s fourth 90s dismissal saw her equaling the record for the most such dismissals in the format.

In the second innings, a run-out handed India a wicket on the first legal delivery. With Renuka Singh picking two wickets in her first three overs and Saima Thakor following it with another one in the sixth over, West Indies just couldn’t recover from 11/4 in 5.2 overs. 

Renuka, who registered a maiden five-wicket haul, was adjudged the Player of the Match as it played a key role in dismissing the visitors on 103 in 26.2 overs.

3# 207 vs Pakistan (2008)

India defeated their arch-rivals Pakistan by 207 runs at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in 2008 for their third-biggest win in Women's ODIs. Captain Mithali Raj’s decision to bat first was followed by Jaya Sharma and Rumeli Dhar joining her in scoring half-centuries to power the team to 283/3 in 50 overs, India’s third-highest ODI innings total at the time.

In the second innings, Neetu David, Snehal Pradhan, and Jhulan Goswami's brilliant bowling bundled out Pakistan for 76 in 33.3 overs in the last league contest.

4# 193 vs Pakistan (2005)

A double-century partnership between Jaya Sharma and Anjum Chopra fashioned India's massive 193-run victory against Pakistan in the Asia Cup women's cricket limited-overs match. Jaya’s career-best performance, 138* (150), was part of the second-highest third-wicket ODI partnership (alongside Anjum Chopra) back then.

A day after India won a match by 10 wickets only for the third time in the format, they thwacked Pakistan by 193 runs after bowling them out for 96 runs in 41.4 overs on the back of David (7.4-5-7-3) and Nooshin Al Khadeer’s (10-7-7-2) magical bowling figures.

5# 186 vs New Zealand (2017) 

Put in to bat first by New Zealand captain Suzie Bates, Mithali Raj herself scored 109 (123) to play a titular role in India putting on board 265/7 in 50 overs. In a bid to complement their skipper, Veda Krishnamurthy and Harmanpreet also chipped in with half-centuries.

In reply, New Zealand bundled out for 79 right after the halfway mark in Derby. Gayakwad’s career-best bowling figures of 7.3-1-15-5 had seen her running through the opposition’s lineup.

A stand at the iconic Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata will soon be named after India's legendary fast bowler Jhulan Goswami. 

According to ICC, the Block B Gallery of Eden Gardens will be renamed in her honor. This stand will be inaugurated during the Indian women's team's first T20I match against England on January 22 next year.

Also Read: 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup stats: Most Wickets and Everything

Stands have also been built at Eden Gardens in the names of former Indian captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, former Indian cricketer Pankaj Roy, and former BCCI presidents Jagmohan Dalmiya and Biswanath Dutt.

Highest wicket-taker in women's ODI

Jhulan Goswami retired two years ago after an illustrious 20-year career with the Indian women's team. She was considered one of the best fast bowlers in women's cricket. Her career is still reflected in the impressive record that she maintains even after her retirement. Goswami holds the record for taking the highest number of wickets (255) in women's ODI.

Jhulan Goswami ended her career after appearing in 12 Tests, 204 ODIs and 68 T20Is and taking 355 wickets across all formats. In the women's Test format, Goswami has taken 44 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 17.36 and an economy of 2.02.

Goswami has 56 wickets to her name in the women's T20I format, with an average of 21.94 and an economy of 5.45. In the ODI format, she has taken 255 wickets in 204 matches at an average of 22.04.

Also Read: All the ICC Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup winners

Working as bowling coach of MI

The 41-year-old Goswami is currently working as the bowling coach and mentor of the Mumbai Indians in the Women's Premier League (WPL), which won the inaugural season of the league. Earlier this year, Goswami was the team mentor at the Women's Caribbean Premier League franchise Trinbago Knight Riders. 

After retirement, Goswami has worked as a mentor for the senior Bengal women's team and has also been involved in the Women's Premier League.

On Wednesday, Neetu David was enlisted into the ICC Hall of Fame, becoming the second Indian woman, after Diana Edulji, to receive this prestigious honor. 

Neetu David, who has dedicated her life to the sport, both as a player and as an administrator, rightly deserves this moment. However, it's not just recognizing the number enscripted in the record books, but many unsaid contributions, her craft of spin bowling, and her presence on the off-field encouraging women's cricket for a better future.

The Record-Setting Spinner

Neetu David’s career speaks volumes in numbers—141 wickets in 97 ODIs, 41 wickets in 10 Tests. Moreover, she proudly carries her tag as the first Indian woman to cross the 100-wicket milestone in ODIs.

It was in a 1995 Test match against England that Neetu David etched her name in history. Her spell of 8/53 remains the best-ever bowling figure in a women’s Test innings to this day. Even though India faced a heartbreaking two-run loss, Neetu’s had set the gold standard for slow bowling. To be honest, scalping eight wickets is fiery enough in those days. But when it comes with grace and consistency, it is something that needs to be worshipped. 

Her meticulous ability to vary her pace, loop the ball just right, and outsmart batters is what made Neetu David a nightmare for batters across the world. It would be absolutely wrong to say that she was a bowler. She literally planned and crafted her dismissals, giving treats to the eyes.

A Journey Across Three World Cups

David has played in three World Cups and has experienced both glory and heartbreak. A semi-final finish in 1997 on home soil and an early exit in 2000—she went through all but stayed tall with the ball in hand.

However, she was in her peak form in the 2005 Women’s World Cup in South Africa. Neetu concluded as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, bagging 20 wickets, guiding India towards their maiden final. Well, again, Australia being the major hurdle for India shattering the dream. 

The 2005 final was bittersweet for Neetu. She had done everything within her power, but her fate didn't support it. Nonetheless, her place among the tournament's best was unquestionable, and her leadership on the field earned her the admiration of peers and rivals alike.

The Transition from Player to Selector

David retired from international cricket in 2006 but did not leave the field. She had her brief outing in 2008 but soon realized her greater calling lay off the field. She played her last domestic match in 2013 for the Railways, aiding them to win the Senior Women's T20 League title.

In 2020, David was appointed as the Chair of the Women’s Selection Committee for India, on the eve of the new era in India’s women’s cricket. During her tenure, the team made rapid transitions, including the retirements of legends like Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami. 

Moreover, David played a crucial role in nurturing young talents like Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh.

Beyond the Numbers: Neetu’s Everlasting Influence

David’s induction into the ICC Hall of Fame is more than just a recognition of her numbers. It is about honoring a cricketer who helped pave the way for future generations. Women’s cricket in India today stands on the shoulders of pioneers like Neetu, who fought against the odds, often without the resources or recognition their male counterparts enjoyed.

Her journey from a 17-year-old debutant to a Hall of Famer is one filled with grit, determination, and a love for the sport that transcends records. Neetu David may have left the playing field, but her legacy continues to spin its way into the future of Indian cricket.