Kolkata’s cricketing heart, Eden Gardens, is set to witness a moment of pure celebration this Saturday as hometown hero Richa Ghosh receives a glittering tribute for her match-winning heroics in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. In a special ceremony orchestrated by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), the 21-year-old wicketkeeper-batter will be presented with a custom-made gold-plated bat and ball—each signed by cricketing legends—as a symbol of her pivotal role in India’s historic triumph .
Richa Ghosh: The Spark Behind India’s World Cup Glory
The Richa Ghosh ODI performance during the 2025 Women’s World Cup wasn’t just impressive—it was transformative. Whether it was her fearless counter-attacks in the middle overs or her sharp glovework behind the stumps, Ghosh emerged as one of India’s most dependable players on the global stage. Her calm under pressure in the semifinal and final matches drew praise from fans and veterans alike.
Why Eden Gardens? A Homecoming Fit for a Champion
For Richa, this honour carries deep emotional weight. Born and raised in West Bengal, she cut her cricketing teeth on local pitches before rising through the national ranks. Eden Gardens—the iconic stadium that has witnessed historic moments from Ganguly’s cover drives to Kohli’s centuries—is now adding a new chapter: celebrating its first homegrown Women’s World Cup winner.
“This is more than an award—it’s a dream,” Ghosh shared in a recent interview. “To be recognized at Eden Gardens, where I watched my first live match as a child, is surreal.”
The Golden Tribute: More Than Just Metal
The gold-plated bat and ball aren’t merely decorative. They represent a tradition in Indian cricket—reserved for extraordinary achievement. Past recipients include legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Mithali Raj. What makes Ghosh’s gift even more special is that it features autographs from icons like Sourav Ganguly, Jhulan Goswami, and even international stars who faced her in the tournament.
Sourav Ganguly’s Personal Touch
Former India captain and CAB president Sourav Ganguly will personally hand over the mementos. Known for his passionate support of Bengal cricketers, Ganguly called Richa “the future of Indian women’s cricket” and emphasized the importance of celebrating young achievers at the grassroots level.
Richa Ghosh’s 2025 World Cup Stats at a Glance
| Matches | Runs | Avg | SR | Catches/Stumpings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 287 | 35.87 | 92.4 | 11/3 |
Source: ICC Official Statistics
What This Means for Women’s Cricket in Bengal
Ghosh’s recognition is expected to ignite a fresh wave of interest in women’s cricket across West Bengal. Local academies have already reported a surge in enrollment, and the CAB has announced new development camps for girls aged 12–18, with Richa slated to mentor in select sessions.
“When young girls see Richa being honoured at Eden Gardens, they don’t just see a player—they see a possibility,” said a CAB development officer.
Looking Ahead
With the T20 World Cup scheduled later this year and the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, Richa Ghosh’s journey is far from over. But Saturday’s ceremony is a powerful reminder: excellence deserves celebration—and sometimes, that celebration shines in gold.
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