Legendary Indian fast bowler Jhulan Goswami said Wednesday that she doesn’t care too much about personal milestones and is focused on winning games for the team. Jhulan is just two wickets away from becoming the most successful bowler at a Women’s World Cup.
Jhulan Goswami has 38 wickets in 29 games with an average of 19.65. She is just one away from matching the record of Australia’s Lyn Fulltston, who won 39 wickets at World Championships between 1982 and 1988.
India, who defeated Pakistan in the World Cup opener, will meet New Zealand on Thursday 10 March. Goswami made just 3 appearances against New Zealand last month and picked up 5 wickers, but the star pacesetter will be looking to make a crucial impact on Thursday.
“Honestly, I didn’t know that… I’m not aware of that. But (the) important (thing) is to go there as a senior member of the squad (I should) and perform well, get early breakthroughs,” Jhualn said on the eve of the game against New Zealand.
“It’s my job and I often stick to my role and that’s the most important thing.
“As you play (longer) you will hit a few individual milestones, yes, that gives me a lot of joy. I enjoy (when) I contribute and the team wins. Personal milestones don’t matter to me I’m an absolute team player.”
‘SHAFALI VERMA LOOKS GOOD IN THE NETS’
Meanwhile, Jhulan backed teenage hitting sensation Shafali Verma to overcome her poor form at the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup sooner rather than later, saying the swashbuckler is hitting the ball pretty well during net sessions.
Verma was sacked for a duck in the opening game against Pakistan, which Indian won, and hasn’t fared well in the last few games. The 18-year-old’s form is expected to be crucial to the team’s chances of a first-ever ICC title.
“Shafali has already proven himself. She is a very exciting cricketer. But these things happen to every cricketer,” said Goswami.
“I’m sure she works very well in the nets, she hits the nets well, she hits the ball really well.
“She’s just a big punch away and if she gets an opportunity I’m sure she’ll do well,” she added.
Regarding the upcoming game, Goswami said it was important to bowl in the right areas against New Zealand.
“…against New Zealand it’s important to bowl in the right area. The terrain is quite open, the wind is always blowing, so how do you take advantage of those things. We discussed a lot of things,” she said.
“I think Pooja (Vastrakar), Meghana (Singh), Renuka (Singh Thakur), Simran (Dil Bahadur), they always did a good job whenever they get an opportunity and I hope they will continue with their performance “, added her .
India meets New Zealand in Hamilton. Mithali Raj’s side are unbeaten in 4 games and a win on Thursday will improve their chances of reaching the semi-finals.
