"Your career has just begun" - Sourav Ganguly's massive request to Team India star after World Cup 2025 win

Former captain Sourav Ganguly has backed Richa Ghosh to lead India in the future, like ex-skipper Jhulan Goswami, who also hails from West Bengal. The 53-year-old said that the wicketkeeper-batter has age on her side while congratulating her for winning the Women’s World Cup 2025 trophy with Team India.

He added that women’s cricket is expected to grow immensely over the next few years, which has accelerated since the start of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2023.

Sourav Ganguly, who is currently CAB president, said (via India Today):

“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 have time on your side. All blessings and heartiest congratulations,” he added.

Ganguly's remarks came as the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) and the West Bengal government felicitated Ghosh on Saturday, November 8. Notably, the 22-year-old has been appointed as Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) by the West Bengal government. Meanwhile, CAB rewarded her with INR 34 lakh.

“Richa’s strike rate of 130-plus made the difference” – Sourav Ganguly lauds Indian wicketkeeper for her heroics in Women’s World Cup 2025

Sourav Ganguly further lauded Richa Ghosh for her attacking game, putting her on the same page as skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues. He said in the same interaction:

“The role she plays batting lower down the order is very difficult. You get fewer balls but have to score the most runs,” Ganguly said. “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 has done so simply is equal in value to Smriti or Harman.”

Richa Ghosh amassed 235 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 133.52, with a best score of 94 against South Africa. The right-hander smashed quickfire 26 (16) and 34 (24) against Australia and SA in the semifinal and final, respectively. Meanwhile, her WPL franchise, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has retained her for INR 2.75 crore ahead of the 2026 season.

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Edited by James Kuanal