had have Women’s Premier League (WPL) Launched during Jhulan GoswamiI am at the top, around 2017/2018, when he set the world record for most ODI wickets and was named icc player Of the year, she would have been the undisputed crown jewel of the inaugural auction.
His availability at that time would have been a game-changer, addressing a key strategic need for the franchise: securing a world-class, genuine Indian fast bowler capable of consistently bowling above 120 km/h. Goswami’s prestige, extreme fitness and legacy as the only Indian woman to win the ICC Player of the Year award at the time may have pushed her value far beyond typical domestic salary estimates. He would have been the most sought-after signing, not only guaranteeing quick wickets but also establishing a basic fast bowling culture for any franchise.
WPL auction dynamics for world’s best Indian fast bowler Jhulan Goswami
As the undisputed leader of India’s attack, Goswami’s price would not have been restricted to the domestic salary cap, but benchmarked against the league’s highest-paid foreign stars. Listed at the maximum base price, she would have quickly broken the household salary cap.
Given that international stars like Nat Sciver-Brunt And Ashley Gardner Got ₹3.2 crore, and top Indian players liked it Harmanpreet Kaur went up to ₹2.5 crore, Goswami’s bid would have realistically been settled between ₹3.0 crore and ₹3.8 crore. She would undoubtedly have become the highest-paid Indian player in the first WPL auction, reflecting both her undeniable impact on T20 cricket (with best T20I bowling figures of 5/11 against Australia in 2012) and her immense, enduring brand power. franchises that missed securing him or his famous contemporary, Mithali RajThe league would have found itself at a tactical disadvantage right from the start.
Jhulan Goswami’s impact on the field: Undisputed leader and leader
The franchise that secures Goswami will have immediately acquired the most influential player in the league, turning them into title contenders. As the only active Indian fast bowler of her level, she would have been the undisputed leader on the field, playing every match and taking on the responsibility of bowling the key new ball and death overs. His extraordinary ability to generate bounce from his 5’11” frame made him a constant threat on any pitch.
But his influence would not have been limited to his bowling. As a veteran of two decades of international cricket, she would also have served as the tactical captain of the bowling unit, using her experience to set fieldings, mentor young fast bowlers and provide invaluable strategic insight. His mere presence would have set the standard of professionalism, set a performance benchmark for all teams and given his franchise the most significant competitive advantage in the inaugural WPL season.
This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.
