From Boys’ Backup to National Star: Kranti Goud’s Inspiring Cricket Journey

In the quaint rural town of Ghuwara, located in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur district, a young 12-year-old girl would spend hours watching boys play cricket in the field near her home. Fast forward ten years, and this same girl, now a 22-year-old right-arm medium pacer, has lifted the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup trophy in Navi Mumbai, leading India to its first-ever title after defeating South Africa.

Kranti’s journey mirrors that of many of her teammates in India’s World Cup-winning squad, all of whom hail from humble beginnings. Overcoming numerous obstacles such as resistance, challenges, financial difficulties, and limited resources, Kranti’s perseverance culminated in a historic achievement at DY Patil Stadium on November 2. In a standout performance during India’s second World Cup match against Pakistan, she claimed three critical wickets while conceding just 20 runs in 10 overs, earning her the Player of the Match award.

Roshni Goud, Kranti’s elder sister, recollects how Kranti, who ended her education after eighth grade, rarely engaged in play with local girls but showed a lifelong fascination with cricket.

Kranti wrapped up her first ODI World Cup run with an impressive tally of nine wickets, three of which were against Pakistan, according to Getty Images. Roshni recounts, “While the girls played, Kranti would watch the boys play cricket. Sometimes, she joined our brothers in their games.” Kranti’s “first break” came when she filled in for a local boys’ team short of a player. In her debut game, she shone with 25 runs and two wickets, earning the Player of the Match title. Until 2017, Kranti participated in local tournaments on boys’ teams using rubber or tennis balls.

### ‘Sacrifices have paid off’

Kranti, affectionately known as Rohini at home, is the youngest of six children born to Munna Singh Goud and Neelam Goud, coming from a tribal family in Bundelkhand, a region marked by poverty. In 2012, after her father lost his job as a police constable, her eldest brother left his studies to support the family.

Despite their struggles, Kranti’s family supported her passion for cricket. By 2017, her father Munna took her to meet Rajeev Bilthare in a neighboring district, Tikamgarh, who had brought a girls’ team from his sports academy in Chhatarpur. Bilthare recalls the meeting, “Her father talked about their financial difficulties, but seeing her potential, I enrolled her in the academy without any fees, and she stayed at my house initially.” Bilthare provided her with cricketing gear and continued to support her growth.

Kranti’s dedication saw her traveling between Ghuwara, Chhatarpur, and a nearby village, staying with another academy player’s family, as she rose through the ranks from Under-15 to U-19 levels for Madhya Pradesh.

Munna, her father, reflects, “Though jobless, I accompanied her to Chhatarpur, and her coaches looked after her during tournaments. We were anxious whenever she traveled far. Now, it feels like our sacrifices have been rewarded,” adding that those who once mocked the family now come forward with congratulatory messages and sweets.

### Breaking into the Indian setup

Initially more inclined towards batting, Kranti’s coach, Bilthare, saw potential in her bowling due to her fitness and pace, focusing her skills on swing bowling. Despite the struggles, she remained consistent, and he motivated her with aspirations to play for India.

Kranti first caught the selectors’ attention with a standout performance, claiming four wickets at an economy of 2.77 and earning the Player of the Match in the Women’s Senior One Day Trophy 2024 final against Bengal. Soon after, the UP Warriorz picked her for the Women’s Premier League (WPL), where she claimed six wickets in eight matches during the 2025 tournament edition.

Her India debut took place on May 11 in a Tri-Series final against Sri Lanka in Colombo. She made headlines during England’s tour by setting a record as the youngest player to take six wickets in a Women’s ODI, finishing with figures of 6/52. This secured her spot in the World Cup, where she achieved nine wickets in eight matches, hinting at a promising future.

As Kranti’s victory reverberates back home, her family and town celebrate with music and firecrackers, receiving congratulatory visits. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced a prize of Rs. 1 crore for her achievement.

Academy coach Bilthare hopes Kranti’s success will inspire more girls from the region to pursue sports, noting that his academy, established in 2013, now trains around 40 girls. His journey to foster a girls’ cricket team from a small beginning in 2016 remains a testament to his dedication, as he encourages families to support young athletes. Kranti’s father echoes this, emphasizing that family support is crucial for young athletes to overcome other challenges.

Published on Nov 03, 2025