India pacer Kranti Gaud, a member of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025-winning team, is aiming for another strong performance at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. The fast bowler from a small town in Madhya Pradesh opened up about her struggles, family sacrifices, and the impact of her journey on young girls back home.
Speaking on JioStar, Kranti recalled her early days when pursuing cricket was not easy. Coming from a village where girls often faced restrictions and criticism, she continued to work hard and chase her dream of representing India.
Talking about her family’s support, Kranti said her parents always believed in her. She revealed that financial challenges were a major hurdle during her journey, and her mother sold her jewellery to buy her a proper cricket kit.
“My family did so much for me, and that made me feel responsible. I wanted to give something back to them and make their sacrifice count,” Kranti said.
Her success has also inspired change in her village, Ghuwara, where a cricket academy has opened and many young girls have started taking up the sport. She said parents are now encouraging their daughters to pursue cricket as a career.
Speaking about the challenges of being a fast bowler, Kranti highlighted the importance of fitness, avoiding injuries, and giving her best for India in every match.
India will face Bangladesh in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 on June 25 at 7 PM, live on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network.
