India's new women pacer, Kranti, wants to help aspiring sportswomen
She dropped out of school after her father lost his job with MP Police, while her eldest brother left his studies to take up a job and support the family.
However, the hardships faced in life helped her overcome adversities and shine. After her initial success with the ball in international women's cricket, she intends to give back to society and help aspiring sportspersons. She says, "It's time for me to give back to society."
Gaud's recent performance against England in the third match, where she claimed six wickets, led India to a series victory. Following her record-breaking haul, the young pacer received recognition from Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who shared her Player of the Match award with her.
Kranti's journey to the national team was stupendous. Her coach, Rajiv Bilthare, recalled giving her Rs 1600 for cricket spikes initially.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
No annual fees for life
UnionBank Credit Card
Apply Now
Undo
"I still remember the happiness on her face. She told me it was like a dream come true for her," Bilthare said.
Bilthare explained, "When she came to my academy for the first time in 2017, she was wearing simple shoes and clothes. I came to know that her father was unemployed as he was terminated from the job, and the whole family was dependent on the sole income of her elder brother, so I did not think it right to charge her any fee.
I myself used to arrange for her dress, shoes, clothes, and other cricket gear. Since the girl had talent, she played well and brought glory to all of us.
"
The youngest of six siblings, Kranti's father, Munna Singh, lost his job with the Madhya Pradesh Police in 2012 due to misconduct during election duty, leading the family to shift from their official quarters to a small rented home. Gaud expressed her aspirations, "I want to buy a house for my family.
This is my priority. I want to help other girls at the academy who can't afford cricket gear," she told TOI.
"My assistance to the girls will enable them to concentrate on their sporting activities without worrying about resource constraints," Gaud said.
Her brother Mayank recounted their struggles: "I was the eldest among our siblings. My father was the sole breadwinner for the family. After losing his job, we were in a lot of trouble—without a house and even difficult to have proper meals daily. Me and my family faced very bad times. At that time, to even think of letting Kranti pursue her passion for cricket was very difficult. People rebuked us, but somehow we managed, and the results are there for all to see.
"
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
16 minutes ago
- India.com
WTC Points Table Updated: India Hold England In 4th Test Thriller To Stay In Top Four
In a dramatic turn of events at Old Trafford, Manchester, Team India scripted a remarkable comeback to draw the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 against England. Trailing by 311 runs in the second innings and reduced to 0/2 early on, the Shubman Gill-led side delivered a stunning rearguard action that not only denied England a third win in the series but also preserved India's hopes in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. The match ended with India at 425/4 in 143 overs—an effort built on remarkable centuries from Gill (103), Ravindra Jadeja (107*), and Washington Sundar (101*). With the series scoreline still reading 2-1 in England's favor, the finale at The Oval now promises to be a blockbuster. Gill Leads the Charge with Fourth Century of the Series Shubman Gill's sublime form continued as he notched up his fourth century of the series—matching the second-most centuries by an Indian in a single Test series. His composed knock of 103 off 238 deliveries held the innings together after the early dismissals of openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan for ducks. Gill's 174-run partnership with KL Rahul laid the platform for India's resistance. Rahul fell short of a century but his gritty 90 off 230 balls was vital in blunting England's attack on a worn-out pitch. The innings showcased Gill's growing stature as a dependable anchor under pressure. Jadeja and Sundar's Match-Saving Marathon Promoted to No. 5 for the first time in his Test career, Washington Sundar responded with maturity well beyond his years. Alongside Jadeja, he formed an unbroken 203-run partnership that spanned over two sessions on the final day. Jadeja, batting with typical calm and resilience, remained unbeaten on 107, while Sundar compiled his maiden Test century—an unbeaten 101 off 206 balls. The duo's defensive masterclass ensured India walked away with a draw that felt like a win, especially considering their dismal start in the second innings. Ben Stokes Enters Elite Company Despite Fitness Worries England captain Ben Stokes put in a sensational all-round performance, scoring 141 in the first innings and taking a five-wicket haul (5/72) in India's first innings. With this feat, Stokes became only the fourth Englishman to score a century and take five wickets in the same Test. More significantly, Stokes joined Garry Sobers and Jacques Kallis as just the third player in history to score over 7,000 runs and claim 200 Test wickets. However, his fitness remains a concern after he was seen nursing a hamstring issue while bowling on Day 5—a potential blow ahead of the Oval Test. Joe Root Surpasses Ponting to Become Second-Highest Run-Scorer Former England captain Joe Root also etched his name into the history books during the Manchester Test. His elegant 150 helped England reach a commanding 669 in the first innings and pushed his career tally past Ricky Ponting to make him the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket, behind only Sachin Tendulkar. Root now has 38 Test hundreds—proof of his unmatched consistency and class. WTC Standings Unchanged, But Stakes Rise for The Oval Despite the thrilling draw, neither India nor England saw a change in their World Test Championship standings. England stay third due to their two wins and a draw, though a slow over-rate penalty continues to affect their points total. India, meanwhile, remain fourth with one win in the series and a lot to play for. With Australia and Sri Lanka sitting comfortably atop the standings, the Oval Test could prove pivotal in keeping India's WTC 2025-27 campaign alive. A win would level the series and boost India's Points Percentage (PCT), giving them a much-needed lifeline in the championship race.
India.com
16 minutes ago
- India.com
From Ranji Star To Test Squad: N Jagadeesan Gets Maiden India Call-Up For Oval Clash
In a major development ahead of the fifth and final Test of the India vs England series at The Oval, Tamil Nadu's Narayan Jagadeesan has been drafted into the Indian squad as a replacement for Rishabh Pant, who sustained a foot fracture during the fourth Test at Old Trafford. This marks a maiden Test call-up for Jagadeesan, a consistent performer in the domestic circuit, who now stands on the cusp of a dream debut. Rishabh Pant suffered a painful blow to his right foot while attempting a reverse sweep on Day 1 in Manchester. Though he bravely returned to bat on Day 2, the injury ruled him out of wicketkeeping duties, and eventually the final Test. With Ishan Kishan unavailable due to an ankle issue and KS Bharat playing club cricket in England, the selectors turned to Jagadeesan—perhaps a surprise pick for some, but one thoroughly earned through performance. Jagadeesan's Stellar Domestic Run Jagadeesan's inclusion is not a leap of faith; it's a reward for relentless consistency in red-ball cricket. Over the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, the 29-year-old has scored: 816 runs in 2023–24 at an average of 74.18 674 runs in 2024–25 at 56.16 These figures include two centuries and five half-centuries, reaffirming his ability to convert starts and anchor innings—qualities India will desperately need in a decider at The Oval. With an overall first-class average of 47.50, including 10 hundreds and 14 fifties across 52 matches, Jagadeesan is no flash in the pan. He holds a career-best score of 321 vs Chandigarh in January 2024, and has been part of the BCCI's Centre of Excellence player pool, despite missing the recent India A tour of England. A Versatile Wicketkeeper-Batter in Form While his primary role is that of a wicketkeeper, Jagadeesan's adaptability with the bat makes him a valuable asset. He can bat anywhere in the top or middle order and has shown temperament against both pace and spin. His recent form spans across formats. Earlier this month, he smashed 81 off 41 balls for Chepauk Super Gillies in the Tamil Nadu Premier League, demonstrating his sharp reflexes and form. This versatility could prove vital, especially if KL Rahul or Dhruv Jurel are called to play dual roles in the XI. Why Not KS Bharat? The decision to choose Jagadeesan over Bharat—who has experience keeping in English conditions—raises eyebrows, but the logic is clear. Bharat's recent returns have been modest, while Jagadeesan's run-hunger and reliability under pressure make him a more exciting bet. The selectors also appear to be aligning with head coach Gautam Gambhir's broader philosophy of rewarding domestic consistency and backing in-form players over reputations. A Debut Years in the Making Jagadeesan has long been on the fringe, waiting patiently for a crack at the highest level. Having debuted for Tamil Nadu in 2016, his journey has included stints in the IPL with Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders, and a record-shattering 277 in List A cricket in 2022—the highest score in the format globally. That innings also made him the first man to score five consecutive centuries in List A cricket, etching his name alongside the likes of Sangakkara and Devdutt Padikkal.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
16 minutes ago
- First Post
Hussain, Atherton and Manjrekar tear into Stokes for farcical antics at end of Manchester Test: 'He behaved like a spoiled kid'
Ben Stokes' farcical antics at end of Manchester Test against India on Sunday was called out by Nasser Hussain, Mike Atherton and Sanjay Manjrekar as the England captain was accused of behaving like a 'spoiled kid'. read more Ben Stokes is facing criticism from all corners for his antics towards the end of fourth Test between India and England at Manchester. Images: Reuters/Sanjay Manjrekar on X England captain Ben Stokes is facing criticism from former cricketers, including Nasser Hussain, Mike Atherton and former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar, for his antics towards the end of the fourth India-England Test at Manchester on Sunday. England would have hoped to steamroll India and canter to a series win on Day 5, but a dogged Shubman Gill, who scored 103, and a gritty partnership between Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, who both scored hundreds and put up an unbeaten 203 runs for the fifth wicket stand, crushed England's dreams. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With India on 386/4 and a draw looking imminent, Stokes offered handshakes to Jadeja and Washington as he wanted an early end to Day 5, but the Indian batters, who were very close to their respective centuries, including a first one for Sundar, refused to take the offer. This enraged Stokes, who even questioned Jadeja if he wanted to get to his hundred against a part-time bowler like Harry Brook. Also Read | Ben Stokes reveals reasoning behind early handshake offer to Jadeja and Sundar Jadeja was on 89 not out when the incident happened, while Sundar was on an unbeaten 80. Nonetheless, the match continued after Indian batters refused to settle for a draw and quickly went on to complete their centuries before finally shaking hands with the England players. Hussain, Atherton slam Stokes' antics on Day 5 of Manchester Test Former captain Hussain was one of the prominent names from the England cricket fraternity who criticised Stokes for his antics towards the end of Day 5 after India initially refused to take a draw. He disapproved of bringing in Brook to bowl and defended the Indian batters' desire to reach their hundreds. 'I didn't have a problem with it. I mean, I know England seemed to have a problem with it,' Nasser Hussain said on Sky Sports. 'They're a little bit tired — tired bowlers, tired legs — they wanted to get off. The two lads had worked hard to get into the 80s and 90s; they wanted Test match hundreds. 'Stokes didn't have to bowl Brook, and it looked a bit silly at the end there, but we make far too much of these things. They played well, they deserved a draw, they deserved to be there at the end. Watch the incident here: STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'All credit to India. It's only England's second-ever draw under this Bazball regime — the other one on this ground as well, because of rain. This one was a draw simply because England couldn't roll over the two left-handers, who were brilliant.' Also Read | From Eden Gardens 2001 to Old Trafford 1990, revisiting India's greatest rescue acts in Test cricket Former England captain Atherton, in his column in The Times, called the finish a 'farce' while labelling the draw result as a victory for India. The headline of his column read: 'India escape with draw that will feel like a victory as Test ends in farce.' 'With the final match beginning on Thursday, this result will feel more like a victory for India, because not only did they escape with a draw entirely through their own merits, they forced England's bowlers to endure two hard days in the field,' Atherton wrote. Manjrekar accuses Stokes of behaving like a 'spoiled kid' Former Indian cricketer Manjrekar accused Stokes of behaving like a spoiled kid for showing frustration over the game not being closed at his will. 'In the end, what we saw was actually the frustration of a team that is used to dominating at home. Very rarely has there been a draw – it has happened twice in the Bazball era. And you've got to say that it was the first time that Ben Stokes had to change his principle of winning the toss and batting first was against India, and this draw without a weather intervention has come against India. India have done a lot of things that have put Ben Stokes off, and the kind of style and leadership that he has,' Manjrekar said on JioStar after the match. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Also Read | Steely determination of Indian batting lineup runs England ragged at Old Trafford, keeps Test series alive 'In the end, what you saw was Ben Stokes frustrated, not used to the kind of result. And finally, I will say this. He was a bit of a spoiled sport and behaved like a spoiled kid. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar had batted for hours, and getting this close to a hundred, there was no way they were going to accept. Ben Stokes will rue what he has done. But it tells you exactly how frustrated England are, and all this is only because of the kind of fight this new-age Indian batting has put up.'
