From the lanes of Siliguri in Bengal to the grand stage of world cricket, Richa Ghosh has firmly etched her name in history. At just 22, she became a world champion and equalled the record for the most sixes in a single Women’s World Cup edition, smashing 12 towering sixes, matching the achievements of West Indies’ Deandra Dottin (2013) and South Africa’s Lizelle Lee (2017).
At the Dr DY Patil International Stadium in Navi Mumbai, in the World Cup final, India took on a strong South African side. Batting first, the Women in Blue posted a formidable 298/7, with crucial contributions across the order. Richa Ghosh’s 34-run blitz off just 24 balls, studded with three fours and two towering sixes, provided the finishing flourish India needed. That innings not only lifted India to a winning total but also helped Richa reach a remarkable milestone, 12 sixes in the tournament, the joint-most in Women’s World Cup history.
Born in Siliguri, West Bengal, Richa grew up in a household where cricket was part of everyday life. Her father, Manabendra Ghosh, a local club cricketer, unknowingly became her first coach and inspiration. “She used to climb trees just to watch me play. Even as a kid, she was never afraid of anything she always wanted to be part of the action,” said her father to CNN News 18.
Recognising her passion early, he enrolled her in a local cricket camp. Despite limited facilities and opportunities in Siliguri, Richa’s determination and natural flair stood out. Her journey took a decisive turn when she moved to Kolkata to pursue the sport more seriously.
Richa’s rise through the ranks was rapid. She made her Bengal Under-19 debut at just 12, and by 16, she was already donning the India jersey. In January 2020, she was selected for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia and made her T20I debut against the hosts the following month.
Since then, there’s been no looking back. Whether playing for India, Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), or representing the Hobart Hurricanes in Australia’s Women’s Big Bash League, Richa has earned a reputation as a match-winner capable of changing games in a few overs.
By 2023, she had also made her mark in Tests and ODIs, including a fifty on Test debut against Australia in December that year. Her performances continued to soar, culminating in a breakout year in 2024, when she smashed the joint-fastest fifty in Women’s T20I history, guiding India to their highest-ever total in the format.
Her crowning moment came in 2025. As part of Harmanpreet Kaur’s side, she played a key role throughout the World Cup campaign on home soil. Her aggressive batting, quick glovework, and calm presence under pressure made her indispensable to the team. In a crucial group-stage clash against South Africa, she even scored a career-defining 94, rescuing India from 102/6 and setting a new record for the highest ODI score by a No. 8 batter in women’s cricket.
When India finally lifted the trophy after defeating South Africa in the final, it was a moment of fulfillment, both for Richa and her father, who had once dreamed simply of seeing his daughter play for Bengal. “Playing for India was our dream,” Manabendra said proudly after the win. “Now she’s a world champion, I couldn’t ask for more.”
