New Eden Gardens stand named after Indian cricket legend inaugurated

Jhulan Goswami became the first prominent Indian woman cricketer to have a stand named after in a stadium. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) rechristened two stands at the Eden Gardens in honour of former Indian pacer Jhulan Goswami and war hero Col. NJ Nair.

Goswami, who hails from Bengal’s Chakdaha, was one of the most celebrated cricketers India has ever produced. The 42-year-old played 12 Tests, 204 ODIs and 68 T20Is and has picked 355 international wickets — the most by an Indian woman. 

She still has the best Test figures (10/78 against England at Taunton, 2006) for Indian women and bowls the most balls in women's ODIs in the world. 

“I have never ever dreamt of this moment in my life. I had the honor and privilege of playing for India but to have a stand named after me is special,” Goswami said after CAB made the announcement in December last year. 

“I thank CAB President Mr [Snehasish] Ganguly, other office bearers, former office bearers, our dada [Sourav Ganguly] and everyone who were involved in my journey and have helped me and supported me."

Goswami also rang the bell in the Eden Gardens to start the 1st T20I between India and England, and right after that, the stand where her name was displayed was lit up in her honour. 

Notably, it was in the Eden Garden in 1997 during the Women’s ODI World Cup when she was a ball girl and decided to take up cricket as a career. She also posted about the occasion on X (formerly known as Twitter) and said it was a dream come true moment for her. 

“As a young girl, I always dreamt of playing cricket at Eden Gardens,” the legendary Indian pacer said. 

“Today, standing in front of a stand with my name on it feels like a dream I never dared to imagine. Thank you to everyone who’s been part of my cricketing journey.”