As Team India are ready to take on New Zealand in their second World Cup game, veteran India pace bowler Jhulan Goswami has said on Wednesday that she is not thinking about her personal milestones. However, she is currently focussing on how to win matches for India. Notably, she is just two wickets away from becoming the most successful bowler in the World Cup as well.
Jhulan Goswami has so far claimed 38 wickets in 29 matches which came at an average of 19.65 as well. She is one away from equalling the record held by Australia’s Lyn Fulltston who scalped 39 wickets in World Cups between 1982 and 1988. Meanwhile, India, who successfully defeated Pakistan in their World Cup campaign opener, will play against New Zealand, against whom they recently lost the series. Goswami, who claimed 5 scalps in 3 ODIs against New Zealand recently, is ready to contribute again.
“Honestly speaking, I didn’t know that…I am not aware of that. But (the) important (thing) is as a senior member of the side, (I should) go there and perform well, give early breakthroughs,” Jhualn Goswami said on the eve of the match against New Zealand. “That is my job and I often stick to my role and that is the important thing.”
“If you play (for) a long time, you are going to achieve a few individual milestones, yes that gives me a lot of joy. I enjoy (when) I contribute and the team wins. Personal milestones do not matter to me as I am an absolute team player,” she again shared.
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‘Shafali Verma is just one big knock away’ – Jhulan Goswami
However, she has also backed the talented youngster Shafali Verma to overcome her poor form in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup, saying that she is hitting the ball quite well during the net sessions. Meanwhile, Shafali got out for a duck in the first match against Pakistan that India won. And, her form is very crucial for the team to win their first-ever ICC title.
“Shafali has already proved herself. She is a very exciting cricketer. But these things happen with every cricketer,” Jhulan Goswami said. “I am sure she is working hard really well in the nets, she is batting well in the nets; she is hitting the ball really well. She is just one big knock away and if she gets an opportunity, I am sure she is going to do well.”
While talking about the upcoming match, she said that it was important to bowl in the right areas against New Zealand as they are in great form as well. However, in the recent five-match ODI series, India managed to win only one and a win against New Zealand will help them to be in the race of winning the marquee event.
“…against New Zealand, it is important to bowl in the right area. The grounds are pretty open, winds are always flowing, so how to take advantage of those things. We discussed a lot of stuff. I think Pooja (Vastrakar), Meghana (Singh), Renuka (Singh Thakur), Simran (Dil Bahadur), they have done a decent job always when they get an opportunity and I hope they will continue with their performance,” Jhulan Goswami signed off.
