World Cup is like an Olympic event for us: Jhulan Goswami

After shining 25 years in her career, India’s ace pacer Jhulan Goswami has a plethora of achievements under her belt but a World Cup victory has eluded her. After captaining India, being cricketer of the year in 2007, and the highest wicket-taker in ODIs across women’s cricket, she dreams of bringing a World Cup trophy for her side. The Women’s World Cup is all set to get in action from March 4 after getting postponed for a year due to COVID-19.

Ahead of the showpiece event, Goswami added that as cricketers they don’t get to play the Olympics, and hence, this World Cup carries the same significance as that of the Olympics to them. Players move on the stage with practice and fitness of four years and get to express. She also talked of challenges around the tour and talked of quarantine as one of them as the tournament is all set to take place in New Zealand.

“As cricketers, we don’t play the Olympics. For us, World Cup is like an Olympic event. You prepare for four years to reach a certain level. When the mega event finally comes, you go enjoy there and express yourself,” said Jhulan Goswami while speaking to WINS (Women in News and Sport) Workshop, run by ABC International Development, funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Multiple set of quarantine is going to be tough for us: Jhulan Goswami

“We are doing a quarantine in India first, then again one has to be in quarantine in New Zealand, so it’s going to be tough. It requires a lot of mental strength. The preparation does not just include training but also having to stay in a room. We are not able to go out, we are not able to take fresh air. But we accept all the rigors; ultimately getting to do what we love to play cricket. From the last 25 years, I’m doing just this, hence I can do this sacrifice,” she added.

It has to be noted that the veteran pacer is part of the 15-member squad that will travel to the host nation to play a T20I and five ODIs to get ready for the mega event. She added batting on windy tracks as another challenge in New Zealand.