Kranti Gaud lit up the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street with a match-winning six-wicket spell in the ODI series decider against England. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s brilliant 102-run knock helped India post a total of 318/5. But in reply, England came very close. They were bowled out for 305, largely due to a fiery spell from the 21-year-old pacer from Madhya Pradesh. With this, Kranti became just the fourth Indian woman to take a six-wicket haul in ODIs.
Kranti had already made a name for herself in domestic cricket and especially in the WPL with UP Warriorz. She then made her international debut during the Tri-series final in Sri Lanka, where India won. Her debut came in Colombo against the hosts, but she went wicketless, giving away 22 runs in five overs. Later, she was handed her T20I debut against England in Birmingham. Again, she went wicketless. India won that series 3-2, but Kranti only got to play one game.
Then came the three-match ODI series. This was seen as part of India’s preparation for the upcoming Women’s Cricket World Cup, to be held in India and Sri Lanka. It was a big opportunity for Kranti, especially in the absence of experienced pacers like Renuka Singh Thakur and Pooja Vastrakar. And Kranti grabbed the chance with both hands. She ended the series as the highest wicket-taker, with nine wickets at an average of 15.11.
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Back home, one especially proud person is her coach, Rajiv Bilthare. Speaking exclusively to RevSportz, he said: “Yesterday, she delivered a very good spell and inswing deliveries have always been her strength. She has a lot of command on that because she manages to maintain proper line and length. And if India win, everyone is happy. Especially when our student has performed, the happiness is doubled.”
In-swinging deliveries have worked well for Kranti. Many still remember her magical ball that dismissed Aussie legend Meg Lanning in the last WPL. This time in England, she dismissed opener Tammy Beaumont, captain Nat Sciver-Brunt and keeper Amy Jones with similar movement.
Throughout the series, she mostly bowled outswingers before surprising batters with inswingers. Speaking on this, Bilthare explained: “Look, as a bowler, the command should be on both in-swing and out-swing. But her inswing is natural and hence, she has more command. She should use it more and use out swinging deliveries as a variation, as that will help her in setting up the batters.”
Kranti is also known for her yorkers and bouncers, especially in the death overs. In the third ODI, the dismissal of Lauren Filer was a perfect example. Talking about her skills at the death, Bilthare said: “In death overs, you have to bowl yorkers. So, she did that perfectly, didn’t go for runs. That created pressure on the batters and they ended up losing wickets.”
After the match, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur was quite satisfied with Kranti’s performance throughout the series. When asked if Harman used Kranti smartly during the game, Bilthare said: “She did it in the right way. Because initially, Kranti was bowling well with the new ball. So, Harman continued with her. Then, she brought a spinner from the other end. For any batter, it is difficult to adjust when they face spinners from one end and a pacer from another. After that, as soon as she felt that she needed wickets, brought Kranti back. And Kranti did what the captain needed that time.”
Bilthare also confirmed that Kranti stayed in touch with him throughout the tour. Before and after every match, she would speak to him. He also talked about the touching gesture from Harmanpreet after the match. The Indian skipper shared her Player of the Match award with Kranti, gifting her a signed match ball. Harmanpreet wrote on the ball: “Dear Kranti, you are a star. This was your spell — 9.5 overs, 1 maiden, 52 runs, and 6 wickets.”
Reacting to this, Bilthare said: “Loved it. This is the attitude of a captain and a big player. They do such things to motivate their small players. This is the greatness of a big player.”
India are now set to play a three-match ODI series at home against Australia. When asked if he hopes to see Kranti in the World Cup squad after these strong performances, Bilthare said: “See, the way she has performed so far, I think she deserves a chance in the World Cup squad. Rest is on the selectors and the team management. For Kranti, only the performance is in her hands and I wish she continues to perform.”
“Even before this tour, I only said Kranti to go and perform and make sure that the captain and management has that believe on you going forward. She has performed well but this series is past now. Focus is now on the next match. Again, she will go for wickets with 100 per cent on each ball and hopefully more success awaits her,” Bilthare concluded.
Also Read: ENG-W vs IND-W: India Women Clinch ODI Series with 13-Run Win in Decider