Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly has showered rich praise on the India women’s cricketer Richa Ghosh. Alongside lauding the Indian wicket-keeper, he has backed her to evolve as a great leader in the game and emerge as India’s captain someday.
Just days after India beat South Africa in the finals of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 in Navi Mumbai, the former skipper Shantha Ragaswamy asked the BCCI to remove the World Cup-winning skipper Harmanpreet Kaur from captaincy.
Sourav Ganguly backs Richa Ghosh as India’s captain
Indian former skipper and legend Sourav Ganguly on Saturday created a major controversy, suggesting a new captain for the Indian Women’s team. The new candidate was none other than the first World Cup-winning cricketer from Bengal, Richa Ghosh.
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The BCCI is yet to comment on the future of Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur, since they have a long gap before they begin their campaign, which is scheduled to start in early January. The focus of the Indian team would next be on the shortest format since they will be aiming at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England.
“The World Cup triumph is a special, special win, and only Richa can tell us what that feels like,” Ganguly said, adding she has the talent to one day lead the country in women’s cricket.
“Your career has just begun. Women’s cricket will grow massively in the next four to six years, and there will be more opportunities. I hope you make the most of them and one day, like Jhulan, we’ll stand here and say, ‘Richa—India captain.’ You’re just 22… You’ve got time. All blessings and heartiest congratulations,” Sourav Ganguly added.
“The role she plays batting lower down the order is very difficult’ – Sourav Ganguly
The 22-year-old cricketer hails from Siliguri and has been playing a crucial role for India across formats. He has scored 235 runs in the eight innings at a strike rate of nearly 133.5. This strike rate seems exceptional in women’s cricket, especially in an ODI World Cup.
She smashed the most special innings during their chase against South Africa, where she missed a maiden World Cup century after scoring a fiery 77-ball 94. She also smashed 12 sixes in the World Cup, which is the second-most by any batter in the World.
She became the fastest to 1000 runs for India in the history of women’s cricket. Hailing her ability to perform under pressure, Sourav Ganguly said, “The role she plays batting lower down the order is very difficult. You get fewer balls, but you have to score the most runs.”
“People may remember Jemimah’s 127 not out or Harmanpreet’s 89 in the semifinals, but Richa’s strike rate of 130-plus made the difference. What she’s done so simply is equal in value to Smriti or Harman,” Sourav Ganguly added.
Richa Ghosh honoured by the West Bengal Government
After winning the World Cup on the 2nd of November, Richa Ghosh was rewarded by the BCCI as well as the ICC. She was received with great honour in her state as a true World Cup star.
Richa was handed the Banga Bhushan award and appointed the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) by the West Bengal Government, and was also given a gold chain. The Cricket Association also rewarded her with INR 34 lakhs, that is, 1 lakh for every run she scored in the final.
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