New Delhi, Nov. 5 –
Even though Bengal’s Ranji Trophy match against Tripura finished on a low note, its bowling coach, Shib Shankar Paul, could still smile. His 13‑year‑old student—wicketkeeper‑batter Richa Ghosh—took India to its first Women’s ODI World Cup title, beating South Africa by 52 runs.
“I’m thrilled that a student of mine won the World Cup,” Paul told . “It feels great for me, my students, and for all of India.”
While gearing up for the semi‑final and final, Richa was nursing a hair‑line fracture in her left‑hand middle finger. The injury came after keeping against New Zealand in an earlier group‑stage match and made her miss a washed‑out game against Bangladesh. But Paul’s confidence in her toughness helped her press on. “Pain is there, but you have to ignore it,” he said. “You’re playing for 150 million people. Win.”
Richa’s heroic campaign was highlighted by 235 runs in eight innings, a strike rate of 133.52, and a record 12 sixes – the most by an Indian batter in a single Women’s World Cup edition. Her explosive 94 against South Africa, played in the league stage in Visakhapatnam, remains the highest score by a number‑eight batter in Women’s ODIs.
“That 94 showed she could shine in pressure moments,” Paul added. “Even if we wanted a century, she delivered when it mattered.”
Richa’s rise to the world stage was no accident. Born and raised in Siliguri, a town 200 km from Kolkata, opportunities for girls were scarce. She had to practice with boys on a concrete pitch outside her home, while her father, Manabendra, hauled her to the city for better coaching and travelled with her to district matches, defying neighbours who questioned a girl playing cricket.
Boasting strong family support, Richa moved to Kolkata at 13 to train under Paul. She first caught his eye in a 2019 domestic T20 half‑back against Delhi, when the Bengal team was in trouble at 35 for 1. Richa entered, smashed 67 runs, and steered Bengal past 150. That game cemented Paul’s belief that she could play for India.
“I told her to keep wicket, not bowl,” Paul recalled. “She loved Dhoni and wanted to finish. I used to give her batting at number five and coach her on game reading. Now she’s a calm, powerful bat who can read bowlers.”
Before India’s senior ODI World Cup triumph, Richa already had a U19 T20 World Cup title under her belt in 2023. Her senior win marks just the beginning, Paul reminded her after the final: “You’ve started with U19 success. Now you’ve won the senior World Cup. There is more to win.”
Richa’s story has sparked a cultural shift in Bengal. “Earlier the spotlight was on Jhulan Goswami,” Paul said. “Now fans watch Richa, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Harmanpreet Kaur. We’re seeing women’s cricket get the same respect and support that men’s teams once commanded.”
The coach noted a new trend: fans wearing Richa’s jersey in malls that once were only adorned in Virat Kohli’s. “The crowds for women’s games are growing beyond belief,” he said. “I used to coach the Bengal women and never imagined such support. Now fans come to watch Richa and her teammates.”
Richa’s future looks bright with India’s T20 World Cup in England next year on the horizon. For Paul, watching her and her peers break rules and inspire the next generation is the most rewarding trophy of all.
Source: ianslive
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