The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry added another exciting chapter in the Women’s World Cup 2025, with India extending its winning streak. This victory marked the fifth consecutive time India has triumphed over Pakistan in the tournament. A key player in this success was 22-year-old Kranti Goud, who was making her World Cup debut.
Kranti Goud’s performance with the ball was crucial. Her involvement started with some helpful runs during India’s batting innings, including a boundary in the 49th over and another in the 50th. However, her bowling performance was what really set her apart.
Pairing with Renuka Singh in the new ball attack, Kranti consistently troubled the Pakistani batters. She secured her first wicket in the 8th over, dismissing Sadaf Shams, and followed up with the wicket of Alia Riaz in the 12th. As India sought its next breakthrough, the pacer from Madhya Pradesh delivered again.
As the Pakistani partnership grew, captain Harmanpreet Kaur turned to Kranti once more, and she responded immediately, removing Natalia Pervaiz with her first delivery. Kranti’s final figures were remarkable: 3 wickets for only 20 runs in 10 overs, which earned her the Player of the Match award.
Kranti’s story embodies the struggles faced by many women in India. She overcame societal pressures and faced disapproval for playing cricket, a challenge familiar to many girls discouraged from pursuing sports. From her village in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, Kranti, the youngest of six siblings, is now the most celebrated individual from her village. She and her family had to face criticism for her cricketing ambitions.
But, Kranti’s family was always supportive. Inspired by the cricket played by the boys in her village, specifically their fast bowling, she developed a real passion for the sport. Before receiving formal coaching, she demonstrated her talent in a local tournament.
During an interview, Kranti mentioned she was asked to play in a local tournament because a team needed players. Kranti participated, took 3 wickets and scored 25 runs, leading to a Player of the Match award. This caught the attention of coach Rajiv Bilthare, who then mentored Kranti into the player who later dominated Pakistan in Colombo.