- Once picking up balls, she rose to become India’s bowling sensation
Bhopal: In the dusty streets of Bundelkhand, where girls are often confined to dreams rather than sports, a young girl has created history with her courage. The girl who once picked up balls on the cricket field is now taking wickets for India.
Born into a humble family in Ghuwara, a small village in Chhatarpur district, Kranti Gaur grew up amidst financial constraints and social restrictions. This girl’s dream was to play for her country. As a child, when tennis ball cricket tournaments were held in the village, Kranti would serve as a “ball girl” and pick up balls. No one imagined that this girl would one day be part of India’s team winning World Cup.
A daughter who overcame adversity
Kranti’s father was a policeman. A job loss in 2012 led to a financial crisis for the family. The family’s financial situation was so dire that Kranti had to leave her studies after grade 8. However, she didn’t give up and made bat and ball her future.
In 2017, Kranti began training at the Sai Cricket Academy in Chhatarpur under coach Rajiv Bilthare. The coach recognized her talent, waived her fees, and provided her with everything from sports equipment to accommodation.
Gradually, Kranti transitioned from tennis-ball cricket to leather-ball cricket. In 2023-24, she earned a place in the Madhya Pradesh senior team and, with her impressive performances, played a key role in Madhya Pradesh’s first domestic ODI title the following season.
Recognizing her potential, the UP Warriors team purchased her for Rs 10 lakh in the WPL 2025 auction. She subsequently earned a place in the Indian team and made her ODI debut against South Africa in Sri Lanka. During the England tour, she created history by taking 6 wickets for just 52 runs, leading India to a major victory.
