Picture Credit: Twitter
Legendary Indian pacer Jhulan Goswami bid goodbye to her illustrious international career after playing her last international game against England at iconic Lord's on September 24 (Saturday). Notably, Team India clinched its maiden series sweep on English soil by winning all three 50-over games and the veteran pacer picked three wickets in her last bilateral contest.
The 41-year-old returned to her home city Kolkata on Monday and received a resounding welcome at the Kolkata airport by the office bearers of Cricket West Bengal and scores of her fans.
Notably, Jhulan, who drew curtains on her career as world's leading wicket-taker was received by Mr. Avishek Dalmiya, president of Cricket West Bengal and other officials. Upon her arrival, Mr. Abhishek Dalmiya told the local reports that Jhulan Goswami has been a legendary cricketer and he feels proud of the fact that she belongs to West Bengal.
"She has served Indian cricket for so long and I would like to congratulate her on her incredible achievements at the highest level of the game," he said.
The now "former" Indian pacer also expressed her gratitude towards BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, BCCI secretary Jay Shah, and Cricket West Bengal for supporting her through her career.
"They have been really kind to me and always heard me with utmost sincerity. I would like thank BCCI president, BCCI secretary and CAB for being so nice to me," said Goswami.
Earlier, CAB president Avishek Dalmiya confirmed that CAB is planning to name a stand after Jhulan Goswami at iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
"She is a special player and has immense contribution in evolution of cricket in West Bengal. We are also thinking of felicitating her on our annual day," Dalmiya was earlier quoted.
Meanwhile, Jhulan's final international game was marred with controversy as it ended after Indian off-spinner Deepti Sharma ran England batter Charlie Dean out at the non-striker end in the second innings. While Deepti won the game for Team India, the incident triggered massive social media debate on whether the act was withing the "spirit of the game".
