Eden diary: Jhulan Goswami stand a jewel in the crown for historic venue

It was a momentous occasion as the glow sign on the B block gallery at Eden Gardens announced ‘Jhulan Goswami Stand’ on Wednesday evening. The Chakdah Express, as the film project on the highest wicket taker in women’s ODIs is called, joined the likes of Sourav Ganguly and Pankaj Roy to have a stand dedicated to her at the historic venue.

The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) showed a sense of occasion to coincide the naming of the stands on the eve of the first T20 international between India and England before a nearly full stadium. A second stand was named after war hero Col. N.J. Nair, the only Army official to receive both the Ashok Chakra and Kirti Chakra.

“Honoured and humbled to have a stand named after me at the iconic Eden Gardens. This is not just my moment, it belongs to every girl who dreams of making it big in cricket. Thank you for this unforgettable tribute," Jhulan wrote on her X handle after a felicitation on Monday.

‘’I grew up playing here and practising here. This is something big for me, my family and the entire women’s cricket fraternity. I hardly know anyone who has a stand or gallery named after them in an international stadium. I think it will also motivate others,’’ said Jhulan, who retired in 2022 and has slipped into a mentor’s role for Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). She was also the guest of honour who rang the ceremonial bell to start the match.

Jhulan concluded her international career with 44 wickets in 12 Tests, a world-record 255 wickets in 204 ODIs and 56 dismissals in 68 T20Is. She had been an inspiration of sorts to Indian girls trying to run in hard and bowl fast, with the likes of current international Titas Sadhu acknowledging her influence.

Describing the CAB tribute as a special moment in her life, Jhulan added: ‘’I have never dreamed of this moment in my life. I had the honour and privilege of playing for India, but to have a stand named after me is truly special. I thank CAB president Snehasish Ganguly, other office-bearers, former office-bearers, our Dada (Sourav Ganguly) and everyone involved in my journey who have supported and helped me.’’

Those who follow women’s cricket in India feel that it’s impossible to replace the impact of the 'Mil-Jhul Raj', as the combination of Mithali Raj and Jhulan was popularly knows. Jhulan, however, brushed aside any such suggestion: ‘’I don’t think there is no replacement. Many girls are coming through and many more will come who will be even bigger than Jhulan and Mithali.’’