'I will never be too far away from you' - Jhulan Goswami pens heartwarming note after retirement

Jhulan Goswami, one of the greatest bowlers to have played the game, recently announced her retirement from international cricket. The 39-year-old represented  India in 12 Tests, 204 ODIs and 68 T20Is and proved to an inspiration for many. Notably, Goswami her career as the highest wicket-taker in women’s international cricket.

She had earlier announced that the recently concluded three-match ODI series against England will be her last and she had a fitting farewell with a 3-0 series victory for India at the Lord's.

Goswami received a standing ovation from the crowd at Lord's and the fans arrived in numbers to see the emotional moment. Although she could not trouble the scorers with the bat in the final ODI, Goswami bowled an economical spell in a low-scoring thriller and bagged two wickets in her ten overs. 

The legendary pacer posted a heart-warming message for all her fans and her family, who have been part of her beautiful journey. 

Here’s the heartwarming tweet from Jhulan Goswami 

Thank you everyone! 🙏🏾 @BCCI @BCCIWomen pic.twitter.com/8TWq8SfxDj

— Jhulan Goswami (@JhulanG10) September 25, 2022

Goswami started by announcing her retirement from all forms of cricket and explained the difficulties in her journey. She went on to reveal the gifts she had received through the game and highlighted her love for the game.  

“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,” Goswami’s tweet read. 

"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.

"Ever since watching the Women's World Cup final at Eden Gardens back in 1997, it was, my dream to play for India, and lam 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 have cherished every moment of the last 20 years of my life as an international cricketer with my teammates on and off the field. | have always loved you cricket and even as I retire as a professional player, I will never be too far away from you," Goswami concluded her tweet with this message.