As the Indian women’s cricket team revels in a historic T20I series triumph against England, one player has particularly captured the spotlight: Richa Ghosh, an electrifying wicket-keeper batter from Siliguri. At just 21 years old, she’s making headlines not only for her team’s success but for her personal achievements as well. Richa has recently entered the exclusive club of Indian batters who have scored over 2,000 international runs, a milestone that reflects her hard work, talent, and the remarkable journey she has embarked on since her debut.
Richa stepped onto the international stage as a teenager, making her debut for India in a high-pressure T20I against Australia on February 12, 2020, in Melbourne. From that moment, she began to redefine what it means to be a modern wicket-keeper batter and a match finisher. She doesn’t just play the game; she speaks a language of fearless stroke play and solid nerves that resonate with aspiring cricketers everywhere.
With 56 T20I innings under her belt, Richa has amassed 1,067 runs with an eye-popping strike rate of 142.45. This not only highlights her ability to score quickly but also shows her consistency in delivering important innings. One standout moment was during the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 in Dambulla, where she dazzled spectators with an incredible unbeaten score of 64 off just 29 balls against the UAE. That innings, which earned her the Player of the Match award, encapsulated her fearless nature and her gift for rising to the occasion when it matters most. In the ongoing 5-match T20I series against England, Richa has contributed with 82 runs at an impressive strike rate of 146.42, proving her value in a competitive lineup.
Since transitioning to the ODI format on September 21, 2021, Richa has continued to impress. Her adaptability and mature approach to longer formats set her apart from many who face challenges acclimatizing. In just 35 ODI innings, she has accumulated 800 runs at a solid strike rate of 96.38. With six half-centuries to her name, Richa has established herself as a reliable player in clutch situations. One of her more memorable performances came at the Wankhede Stadium on December 30, 2023, when she brilliantly scored 96 off 117 balls against Australia, showcasing her ability to build an innings under pressure.
Though she is still finding her feet in Test cricket, Richa has made a notable impact since her debut against Australia at Wankhede on December 21, 2023. With three innings so far, she has scored 151 runs at an average of 50.33 and a strike rate of 66.81. The way she has settled into this format, including a noteworthy innings of 86 against South Africa in Chennai, hints at a promising future. Each performance is a step closer to solidifying her role as a mainstay in the Indian Test lineup.
As India celebrates its historic T20I victory in England, Richa’s journey is a compelling subplot that deserves attention. She capped off her milestone of 2,000 international runs with a spectacular boundary in the final match of the T20I series at Edgbaston, Birmingham, and contributed a brisk 24 runs from just 16 balls. This achievement places her among cricket legends, and she reached this impressive milestone before even turning 22.
Looking ahead, the excitement builds as the Indian team prepares for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England starting July 16, 2025. The statistics may tell one story, but it’s Richa’s infectious energy, unyielding spirit, and unwavering focus that truly make her an inspiration. At 21, she is not just a player; she represents the bright future of Indian women’s cricket—fearless, passionate, and impactful. Her journey serves as a reminder that dreams are within reach if you’re dedicated, just like Richa Ghosh.
Image Source: Richa Ghosh @ Instagram
