Richa Ghosh: The Power-Hitting Prodigy of Indian Women's Cricket
Richa Ghosh is rapidly becoming a household name in Indian women's cricket. This 21-year-old wicketkeeper-batter is known for her explosive batting style and remarkable ability to clear the boundary with ease. Her journey, marked by natural talent, unwavering family support, and inspiration from cricketing idols MS Dhoni and Ellyse Perry, is a testament to her dedication and potential.
A Natural Hitter with a Strong Foundation
Ghosh's power-hitting, she says, "comes naturally." Her father, a club-level cricketer, instilled a love for the game, and her early years saw her navigate from table tennis to a flourishing cricket career at Baghajatin Athletic Club in Siliguri. This early support proved crucial, enabling her to travel to Kolkata for tournaments and eventually represent Bengal's Under-19 team at just 13. At 16, she became the second-youngest Indian woman to debut in T20Is.
From All-Rounder to Powerhouse
Initially, Ghosh explored all aspects of the game—batting, bowling, and wicket-keeping. While she showed promise as a medium-fast bowler, her father's encouragement steered her towards her strengths, ultimately focusing on her explosive batting and wicket-keeping skills. She worked relentlessly to hone her skills. Her ground fielding was initially a weakness, but with coaching, she transformed it into a strength, becoming a superb wicket-keeper.
Emulating Idols and Aiming Higher
Ghosh's idols, MS Dhoni and Ellyse Perry, have significantly influenced her game. Her lightning-fast glovework mirrors Dhoni's, and she actively worked on her fitness, drawing inspiration from Perry's dedication. In the 2025 Women's Premier League, she showcased her improved game and the ability to bat for long periods while playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, scoring a career-best 96 against Australia. She has also achieved the world record for the fastest T20I 50 off just 18 balls and India's fastest ODI fifty. Her fearless approach against both pace and spin, combined with an expanding array of shots makes her a truly exceptional player.
World Cup Dreams and the Future
Ghosh’s ultimate goal is to lead the Indian women's team to World Cup victory. After contributing to the U-19 World Cup win in 2023, her sights are now set on the senior team's World Cup. Her incredible talent, combined with her dedication and the support of her family and coaches, positions her for continued success on the international stage. The future looks bright for this rising star of women's cricket.
