Get to know Richa Ghosh, the rising star of Indian women’s cricket. From her early beginnings to her incredible achievements, this post details her journey and significant milestones.
Wiki/Bio
Richa Manabendra Ghosh was born on Sunday, September 28, 2003 (age 19 as of 2022) in Siliguri, West Bengal. Her zodiac sign is Libra. She completed her schooling at Margaret Sister Nivedita English School, Siliguri. Her remarkable performances in the 2020 Challenger’s Trophy propelled her into the national team in February 2020. She joined the Under-19 Bengal Women’s team at just 11 years old, and by 12, she was playing for the Bengal senior team.
She was selected for the 15-player Indian squad for the 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. This early success showcased her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. Her journey highlights the importance of early recognition and support in nurturing young athletic talent.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5′ 5”
- Eye Colour: Black
- Hair Colour: Black
Family
Parents & Siblings
Richa comes from a Bengali family. Her father, Manabendra Ghosh, was a club-level cricketer in his youth and later worked part-time as a cricket umpire in Bengal. He played a pivotal role in cultivating Richa’s passion for cricket, taking her to the grounds from a young age and personally coaching her. He even sacrificed his business in 2016 to fully support her cricketing career.
Her mother, Swapna Ghosh, is a homemaker. Richa also has an older sister, Shomasree Ghosh, a graduate in Media Science. The family’s unwavering support has been instrumental in Richa’s success.
Career
Richa made her senior T20 debut for Bengal in 2018. Her performance in the 2020 Women’s T20 Challenger’s Trophy (98 runs in four matches) led to her selection in the 15-member Indian squad for the Women’s T20 International World Cup 2020. Although she didn’t play in the World Cup, her talent was undeniable.
She made her T20 international debut on February 12, 2020, at 16, in the final of the Australia Tri-Nation Women’s T20 Series. In 2022, she achieved a remarkable feat scoring a rapid fifty in an ODI against New Zealand. This was registered as the fastest fifty by an Indian batter in Women’s ODIs.
In February 2023, the Royal Challengers Bangalore acquired her for a significant sum in the inaugural WPL auction, further solidifying her position in the cricketing world.
Records
- Highest 8th wicket partnership with J Goswami in an ODI against Australia (21 Sep 2021).
- No ducks in her career.
- Highest 7th wicket partnership with DB Sharma in a T20 against Australia (10 Oct 2021).
Award
She won the Bengal Cricketer of the Year Award in 2018.
Favourites
Favourite Cricketer: MS Dhoni
Facts/Trivia
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm medium |
| Jersey Number | #13 |
| Domestic Team | West Bengal |
| Coach | Rituparna Roy |
| Hobbies | Watching movies, listening to music |
Richa’s exceptional talent was recognized early; she practiced with boys when there were no girls’ teams in Siliguri. While not a regular bowler for the Bengal women’s team, she was adept at medium-pace bowling and wicket-keeping at the age-group level. In some matches, she batted, bowled, and even kept wickets demonstrating her versatility.
Known for her calm demeanor under pressure, a trait nurtured by her father. She received congratulations from West Bengal’s Sports Minister when selected for the World Cup squad. She considers Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni as her cricketing idols.
Richa is also known for her philanthropic efforts, donating to the Bengal Chief Minister’s relief fund during the COVID-19 pandemic. She is an animal lover and frequently shares pictures of her workouts on social media, showcasing a well-rounded lifestyle.
