‘If I feel I should hit the ball, it’s better to hit it’
‘If I feel I should hit the ball, it’s better to hit it’
Richa Ghosh’s Unconventional Cricket Journey Begins
If I feel I should hit – Richa Ghosh’s path to international cricket was as unconventional as it was determined, shaped by a family that believed in her potential even when the odds seemed stacked against her. Growing up in Siliguri, a town more known for table tennis than cricket, she found herself drawn to the sport at an early age. Her father, Manabendra Ghosh, a local club cricketer and part-time umpire, recognized her passion and made it his mission to nurture it. At just four-and-a-half years old, she was given the chance to watch a cricket match, an experience that would ignite her lifelong connection to the game. “If I feel I should hit the ball, it’s better to hit it,” she says, a mantra that has since become central to her identity as a cricketer.
Manabendra’s support was unwavering, even when financial constraints made it difficult to provide the necessary equipment. The decision to enroll her in a cricket coaching center was a gamble, but it paid off in ways no one could have predicted. Richa’s father’s sacrifices—selling items or taking on extra work—ensured she had access to a bat and kit, allowing her to practice relentlessly. “He never said no to my cricket dreams,” she recalls, highlighting how his encouragement laid the foundation for her future success. This early exposure to the sport, despite the challenges, taught her resilience and a deep love for the game.
Award-Winning Performance and Rising Star
Richa’s talent quickly became evident, but her rise to prominence wasn’t without obstacles. In the early years, she often faced competition from older players, many of whom had more experience and resources. This forced her to adapt rapidly, learning from every opportunity to play and every setback she encountered. “It was an education,” she reflects, noting how she had to mature faster than her peers to keep up with the demands of the sport. Her ability to absorb lessons through observation and persistence set her apart, earning her recognition in regional circuits and eventually a place in the national team.
Her career took a significant turn with the emergence of key mentors who guided her through the complexities of professional cricket. Jhulan Goswami, a stalwart of Indian women’s cricket, played a pivotal role in her development, offering both technical expertise and emotional support. “Jhulan di treated me like a little sister,” Richa explains, illustrating the close bond she formed with the veteran bowler. As she gained regular selection for the India squad, Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana became her confidants, sharing insights that helped her refine her approach. “When I first joined the India squad, I didn’t know where to start,” she admits, but the mentorship she received gave her the confidence to thrive.
Franchise cricket introduced Richa to new challenges and opportunities, expanding her horizons beyond traditional domestic competitions. Playing in Australia and England exposed her to elite talent and high-stakes environments, while the Women’s Premier League (WPL) provided a platform to interact with top overseas players on a daily basis. These experiences were instrumental in shaping her mindset as a player. “I studied Ellyse Perry’s ability to build an innings despite her aggressive style,” she says, underscoring the influence of international players on her growth. The WPL, in particular, allowed her to hone her finishing skills, a crucial aspect of her game that she credits to the pressure and competition in the tournament.
Richa’s training methods reflect her philosophy of instinct and preparation. She often simulates high-pressure scenarios during practice, setting mental targets to refine her performance under stress. “I create pressure in practice,” she explains, emphasizing how this technique helps her stay focused in critical moments. Her dedication to this approach has not only improved her batting consistency but also reinforced her belief in the power of action. “If I feel I should hit the ball, it’s better to hit it,” she reiterates, a principle that guides her both on and off the field. This mindset, cultivated through years of hard work and mentorship, has become a hallmark of her career.
Today, Richa stands as a symbol of India’s women’s cricket renaissance, embodying the spirit of a new generation of fearless players. Her journey highlights the importance of family support, mentorship, and personal determination in overcoming the challenges of breaking into a male-dominated sport. While the path was not easy, her perseverance has allowed her to carve a unique space for herself. She continues to inspire young cricketers across the country, proving that with passion and resilience, dreams can become reality. “His preparation and instinct are lessons I carry with me,” she says, referencing MS Dhoni, a towering figure in cricket, whose approach to the game resonates with her own philosophy.