Eden Gardens in Kolkata to Name Stand After Legendary Jhulan Goswami

The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has announced a historic gesture to honor the legendary cricketer Jhulan Goswami by dedicating a stand in her name at the iconic Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata. Block B, one of the most prominent sections of this storied venue, will now bear the name of the former Indian women’s team captain, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the game. This remarkable acknowledgment places Jhulan in a prestigious league, making her only the third individual to have a stand named after them at Eden Gardens. She joins the esteemed company of cricketing stalwarts such as Jagmohan Dalmiya, the former President of both BCCI and ICC, and Sourav Ganguly, the celebrated former Indian captain and one of the greatest cricketers to emerge from Bengal.

The Jhulan Goswami Stand is set to be officially unveiled on January 22 during the much-anticipated T20 match between India and England. Block B, which is located close to the dressing room and the clubhouse, will undergo an extensive redesign to reflect Jhulan’s incredible career and legacy. The stand will showcase her monumental achievements and the inspiration she has provided to aspiring cricketers worldwide. Affectionately nicknamed the Chakdah Express, Jhulan’s extraordinary journey from her modest beginnings in Chakdaha, a small town in West Bengal’s Nadia district, to her rise as one of the most accomplished players in women’s cricket is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and talent. Her story has not only inspired countless young athletes but also brought immense pride to her state and country.

The CAB had originally planned this tribute in 2022 but encountered delays due to the requirement of obtaining approval from the Defence Ministry, as the Eden Gardens land is owned by the Defence. After much anticipation, the necessary clearance was finally secured earlier this week, enabling the association to move forward with this significant initiative. With this honor, Jhulan joins the ranks of legendary cricketers like Sourav Ganguly and Pankaj Roy, who also have stands named after them at this revered stadium. This recognition not only cements Jhulan’s legacy within the rich history of Indian cricket but also ensures that her contributions will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers and fans alike.

A CAB official said on Monday: “Jhulan is a legend, and it was only fitting that a stand be named in her honour. Now that permission has been obtained, the inauguration will take place on the day of the India-England match.”

Throughout an exceptional international career that lasted for more than two decades, Jhulan Goswami established herself as one of the most formidable fast bowlers in the history of women’s cricket. Over the course of her career, she claimed an impressive total of 355 wickets across all formats of the game, making significant contributions to India’s success on the global stage. Her impact was felt not only in major international tournaments but also in bilateral series, where her consistency and skill set her apart as a key player for the Indian women’s cricket team. After retiring in 2022, Jhulan left behind an indelible legacy, both as a player and as a trailblazer for women’s cricket.

In addition to her playing career, Jhulan further enriched Indian cricket by stepping into the role of a mentor in the Indian Premier League (IPL). She brought her vast experience, tactical acumen, and deep understanding of the game to the IPL, where she worked with young cricketers, helping them hone their skills and develop a strong mindset. Her mentorship went beyond mere technical guidance, as she also emphasized the importance of discipline, focus, and resilience, qualities that were central to her own cricketing journey. Through her contributions to the IPL, Jhulan played a vital role in shaping the future of Indian cricket, particularly by nurturing the next generation of players who will carry the torch forward.

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