'If Stokes’ boundary is within the law, you also must respect Deepti’s run out' - Jhulan Goswami offers her take on Dean's run out row

Jhulan Goswami bid adieu to her illustrious 20-year international cricket career on 24 September 2022 at Lord's, marking the end of an era. A day initially dedicated to celebrating her achievements took an unexpected turn when, amid an England comeback, Deepti Sharma ran out Charlie Dean, igniting controversy.

Now, a year and a half into retirement, Goswami reflects on that fateful day. While she supports Sharma's decision, her discontent is directed at the English crowd and players for what she perceives as hypocrisy.

"If you think in another way, in the 2019 [men’s] World Cup final, the ball hit Ben Stokes’ bat and went for a boundary. You could say they should not have taken those runs. Deepti acted within the law but the opposition team were not happy. But when it was a World Cup final, and the ball hits the bat and goes for a boundary, you are taking that four," she said to The Guardian.

“You want to maintain the spirit of the game? Then do that, whether you are playing a World Cup final or just a bilateral series. You [England] should say: ‘It’s the spirit of the game, I’m not going to take that four.’ Or, you want to play within the law – then that [Stokes’ boundary] is within the law. But then you also must respect Deepti’s run out. I don’t think the discussion should continue,” she added.

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Despite the lingering debate, Goswami remains focused on her post-cricket endeavors. She spends quality time with family and contributes to West Bengal's state association, nurturing the next generation of female cricketers. As the bowling coach and mentor for the Mumbai Indians, she proudly wears the inaugural Women’s Premier League title.

Goswami's cricketing journey, spanning 284 international appearances, played a pivotal role in transforming Indian women’s cricket. From humble beginnings in a conservative Bengali family to becoming the ICC's top-ranked bowler, her story resonates with determination and success.

We tried to create a healthy atmosphere in the dressing room: Goswami

As Goswami mentors the Mumbai Indians in the upcoming WPL, she radiates confidence. Reflecting on the team's success last year, she credits a healthy dressing room atmosphere for their achievements. 

“As a support staff, we tried to create a healthy atmosphere in the dressing room, make sure we enjoy each other’s success. You can’t control the cricket, but at least we can control the dressing room area," she concluded.

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