Is Being Named Player of the Match in a WC Game a Big Deal? Kranti Goud Thinks So!

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Kranti Goud achieved Player of the Match with figures of 3-20.
- She played a crucial role in India's 88-run victory over Pakistan.
- Her village celebrated her success with a community viewing.
- Kranti's journey highlights the growth of women’s cricket.
- India aims to maintain its unbeaten streak as they face South Africa next.
Colombo, Oct 6 (NationPress) Young fast bowler Kranti Goud expressed that receiving the Player of the Match accolade following India's significant 88-run victory over Pakistan in the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup at the R Premadasa Stadium was a moment of immense pride.
Kranti delivered exceptional bowling figures of 3-20 over her ten overs, including a remarkable six consecutive deliveries, which played a crucial role in dismantling Pakistan's top order and preserving India’s unbeaten streak in the tournament.
“When I took six wickets in England and shared the Player of the Match title with Harman di, it was a proud moment. Now, to receive the Player of the Match award in a World Cup, it’s truly a significant achievement for me,” Kranti remarked. “It’s not a minor accomplishment to be recognized as the player of the match during a World Cup game.”
“I have consistently performed in my matches by applying all the advice from my coaches, and I intend to maintain this momentum,” she added in a video shared on bcci.tv on Monday.
Kranti's ascent has been remarkable; she made her ODI debut at the R Premadasa Stadium in May 2025 as a substitute for the injured Kashvee Gautam. Despite initial figures of 0-22 in five overs, injuries to teammates Renuka Singh Thakur and Pooja Vastrakar led to her retention for the tour of England, where she achieved a six-wicket haul and contributed to India's ODI series victory.
She also mentioned the celebratory atmosphere in her village Ghuwara in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, where residents set up an LED screen for the community to watch her compete in the World Cup.
“I feel incredibly proud. I made a video call home, and my family was very emotional. Everyone in my village was watching the match on a large LED screen set up on the cricket ground. It's a moment of great pride for me,” Kranti shared.
“As everyone cheered during the match, I couldn’t speak much; I just showed them my Player of the Match medal. The joy was palpable,” she noted.
India, currently leading the World Cup points table, will next face South Africa at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on October 9, followed by a critical match against defending champions Australia at the same venue on October 12.