Kranti Gaud: Rising Star of Indian Women’s Cricket
Bhopal: Meet Kranti Gaud, a promising new pacer for the Indian women’s cricket team. At just 21, she comes from the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh and credits her family for her remarkable journey. Despite facing significant challenges, her passion for cricket soared.
Kranti dropped out of school when her father lost his job with the Madhya Pradesh Police. To support the family, her eldest brother had to leave his studies and take on work as the sole breadwinner. However, these hardships shaped her resilience and dedication. “It’s time for me to give back to society,” she said, aiming to inspire other aspiring athletes.
Her recent standout performance against England showcased her talent, as she took six wickets and helped secure a series victory for India. Following this achievement, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised her and shared the Player of the Match award with her.
Kranti’s journey began with support from her coach, Rajiv Bilthare. He fondly remembers giving her money for cricket spikes, remembering the joy on her face. “When she joined my academy in 2017, she arrived in simple shoes,” he said, adding he felt it was important to support her without any fees, knowing her family was struggling.
The youngest of six siblings, Kranti’s life took a turn in 2012 when her father lost his job. Afterward, the family moved from their official home to a small rented one. Kranti expressed her wish to buy a home for her family and to assist other girls at the academy who can’t afford cricket gear. “I want to help them focus on their sport without worrying about money,” she explained.
Her brother Mayank reflected on their difficult times, sharing, “After our father lost his job, we faced many struggles, including not having a proper home or meals. Supporting Kranti’s cricket passion was tough.” Nonetheless, the family pulled through, and Kranti’s success has been a proud moment for them all.
