World Cup champion Richa Ghosh was honoured by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) and the West Bengal government for her contribution to India’s historic ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup triumph. The young wicketkeeper-batter received glowing praise from CAB president and former India captain Sourav Ganguly, who expressed his wish to see her captain the national team in the future.
At the felicitation ceremony, where Richa was presented with the Banga Bhushan award, Ganguly said, “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’llstand here and say, ‘Richa — India captain.’”
Ganguly, who led India to the 2003 Men’s World Cup final, lauded Richa’s composure and crucial contributions during pressure situations in the recent tournament.
“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.”
In recognition of her efforts, Richa was appointed as Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) by the West Bengal government and was honoured with a gold chain. The CAB also awarded her ₹34 lakh — ₹1 lakh for each run she scored in the final.
India lifted their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup title on November 2, defeating South Africa in the final. Richa played a crucial knock of 34 runs that helped India secure a memorable 52-run victory and script history at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
For latest sports updates: Follow RevSportz