Why Was Kranti Goud Added to the Indian Team for Women’s ODI Tri-Series?

New Delhi, May 6 (NationPress) Seam-bowling all-rounder Kranti Goud has been incorporated into the Indian squad competing in the ongoing women's ODI tri-series in Colombo, stepping in for the injured Kashvee Gautam. Kashvee, who debuted in the ODI arena during the tri-series' initial match, exited the field after delivering just five overs in India’s three-wicket setback against South Africa on Sunday at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium. In her first three outings for India, Kashvee failed to secure a single wicket.

“Indeed, Kranti has been summoned as a replacement for Kashvee, who is believed to be suffering from a calf, hamstring, or leg injury. Kranti was expected to depart for Colombo on Tuesday morning and should have joined the Indian team by now. The precise nature of Kashvee’s injury will be assessed once she returns to India from Colombo, and initial indications suggest she might be a doubtful starter for the upcoming tour of England.”

“Kranti received clearance to join the Indian team on Monday evening from the medical staff at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, as she had chicken pox last month while participating in the Senior Women’s Multi-Day Challenger Trophy in Dehradun,” sources informed IANS on Tuesday.

Kranti shone during the recent Women’s Premier League (WPL), representing UP Warriorz. She took six wickets across eight matches, achieving a notable four-wicket haul against Delhi Capitals (DC). Beyond her WPL achievements, Kranti has shown consistency in domestic cricket. In the Senior Women’s One Day Trophy, competing for Madhya Pradesh, she claimed 15 wickets in nine innings.

In the 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL), Kranti emerged as one of the standout uncapped Indian talents, securing six wickets in eight matches for UP Warriorz at an economy rate of 9.45. Hailing from Ghaura, a village in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, Kranti’s highlight was her performance of 4-25 against Delhi Capitals at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, leading UP Warriorz to their inaugural win of the season.

In Madhya Pradesh, during the victorious 2024/25 Senior Women’s One Day Trophy, Kranti captured 15 wickets in nine innings, including a four-wicket haul in the final against Bengal, earning her the Player of the Match accolade. Shweta Mishra, the head coach of the Madhya Pradesh senior women’s team, expressed her delight over Kranti’s maiden call-up to the national team.

“I am overjoyed to hear that Kranti has received a call-up to the Indian team. As her coach, this moment fills me with pride and joy, as her hard work and dedication have been recognized at the highest level. This is precisely what we aimed for – preparing her technically, physically, and mentally to face the challenges of international cricket,” she told IANS.

“Kranti has consistently demonstrated herself as a dedicated and determined learner. Her commitment to the sport, discipline during practice, and relentless pursuit of self-improvement have been truly inspiring,” she added.

Wednesday’s match against South Africa in the tri-series is crucial for assessing how the Harmanpreet Kaur-led team, currently with four points from three matches, will respond on the field following their defeat to Sri Lanka. Attention will also be on whether Kranti is given an immediate opportunity to debut internationally, especially with another experienced seam-bowling all-rounder, Amanjot Kaur, in the lineup.

Shweta expressed her confidence in Kranti’s ability to excel if she plays in the tri-series. “She is one of those athletes who never hesitates to put in extra effort. Whether during early morning practices, rigorous fitness training, or spending additional time analyzing her performance – she approaches every aspect of preparation with seriousness and passion.”

“I firmly believe this is merely the beginning for her. She possesses the skill, mindset, and attitude to make a significant impact at the international stage. I am proud of her progress and confident she will seize this opportunity,” she concluded.