Women’s cricket in India has seen a massive transformation in the last few decades. Once overshadowed by men’s cricket, today Indian female cricketers have become household names, inspiring millions with their talent, resilience, and achievements. From legends like Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami to current stars like Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur, these players have not only set records but also changed how India looks at women’s cricket.
In this article, we look at the Top 10 most famous women cricketers of India, their contributions, achievements, and how they have become true icons of the game.
Top 10 Famous Indian Women Cricketers
| Rank | Player | Role | Career Span | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mithali Raj | Batter | 1999–2022 | Highest run-scorer in Women’s ODIs |
| 2 | Jhulan Goswami | Fast Bowler | 2002–2022 | Highest wicket-taker in Women’s ODIs |
| 3 | Harmanpreet Kaur | All-Rounder | 2009–Present | 171* vs Australia in 2017 WC |
| 4 | Smriti Mandhana | Batter (Opener) | 2013–Present | ICC Cricketer of the Year (2018, 2021) |
| 5 | Shafali Verma | Batter | 2019–Present | Youngest Indian to play in World Cup final |
| 6 | Deepti Sharma | All-Rounder | 2014–Present | ODI 188* – Highest by an Indian woman |
| 7 | Jemimah Rodrigues | Batter | 2018–Present | Consistent T20 performer |
| 8 | Poonam Yadav | Leg-Spinner | 2013–Present | Top wicket-taker in 2020 T20 WC |
| 9 | Anjum Chopra | Batter | 1995–2012 | First Indian woman to play 100 ODIs |
| 10 | Pooja Vastrakar | All-Rounder | 2018–Present | Impactful lower-order batting + pace bowling |
1. Mithali Raj – The Queen of Indian Cricket
- Career Span: 1999–2022
- Achievements: Over 10,000 international runs, most runs in Women’s ODIs, Arjuna Award (2003).
- Highlight: Led India to the ICC Women’s World Cup finals in 2005 and 2017.
Mithali Raj is often called the Sachin Tendulkar of women’s cricket. Known for her calm approach and consistent run scoring, she was the backbone of India’s batting for two decades. Her 214 in a Test match at just 19 years old remains legendary. She continues to inspire young cricketers as the ultimate role model.
Read more: Queen of Cricket: Mithali Raj Records & Smriti Mandhana Rise
2. Jhulan Goswami – The Chakda Express
- Career Span: 2002–2022
- Achievements: Highest wicket-taker in Women’s ODIs, ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year (2007).
- Highlight: Known for her pace and accuracy, often considered the fastest Indian woman bowler.
Jhulan’s fiery pace bowling gave India an edge for two decades. She is respected globally for her fitness, discipline, and ability to strike with the new ball. Even after retirement, her name remains synonymous with women’s fast bowling in India.
3. Harmanpreet Kaur – The Game Changer
- Career Span: 2009–Present
- Achievements: First Indian woman to score a T20I century, Captain of India’s T20I team, WPL 2023 Champion (Mumbai Indians).
- Highlight: Her 171* vs Australia in the 2017 World Cup semi-final is regarded as one of the greatest knocks in women’s cricket history.
Harmanpreet represents aggression and fearless cricket. She broke stereotypes by becoming India’s first female cricketer to play in overseas leagues and is seen as a modern icon for the new generation.
Read more: Harmanpreet Kaur Captaincy Record
4. Smriti Mandhana – The Stylish Opener
- Career Span: 2013–Present
- Achievements: ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year (2018 & 2021), Highest-paid player in WPL 2023 auction (₹3.4 crore).
- Highlight: Led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their maiden WPL title in 2024.
Known as the “National Crush of India” in cricket circles, Smriti combines elegance with aggression. Her cover drives are admired worldwide, and she continues to dominate as one of the most marketable and impactful cricketers of India.
5. Shafali Verma – The Young Sensation
- Career Span: 2019–Present
- Achievements: Youngest Indian to play in a World Cup final (2020), U-19 World Cup winner (2023).
- Highlight: Famous for her fearless power-hitting at the top order.
Shafali made her debut at just 15 and quickly became known for her six-hitting ability. She has already achieved milestones that many players dream of, and her journey is just beginning.
6. Deepti Sharma – The All-Round Asset
- Career Span: 2014–Present
- Achievements: Highest individual ODI score by an Indian woman (188*), Key all-rounder for India across formats.
- Highlight: Match-winner with both bat and ball in crucial ICC events.
Deepti Sharma provides balance to India’s team with her left-handed batting and off-spin bowling. Calm under pressure, she has been part of India’s biggest victories in recent years.
You Can See Also:- Fastest Female Bowlers in the World
7. Jemimah Rodrigues – The Consistent Performer
- Career Span: 2018–Present
- Achievements: One of India’s youngest international stars, consistent in T20 leagues worldwide.
- Highlight: Known for her elegant batting style and adaptability across formats.
Jemimah has become one of the most reliable batters in India’s middle order. She also plays a key role in global leagues like WBBL, The Hundred, and WPL.
Read Also:- Most Beautiful Women Cricketers in India
8. Poonam Yadav – The Spin Wizard
- Career Span: 2013–Present
- Achievements: India’s top wicket-taker in the 2020 T20 World Cup.
- Highlight: Her slow, loopy leg-spin deliveries have baffled batters globally.
Poonam’s unique bowling style makes her one of the most successful spinners in India’s history. She has often turned matches in India’s favour with her crucial spells.
9. Anjum Chopra – The Trailblazer
- Career Span: 1995–2012
- Achievements: Arjuna Awardee (2006), first Indian woman cricketer to play 100 ODIs.
- Highlight: Served as India’s captain and guided the team to multiple Asia Cup victories.
Anjum was among the first generation of Indian women cricketers who gave the sport visibility. Today, she continues to contribute as a commentator and analyst, inspiring new players.
10. Pooja Vastrakar – The Power All-Rounder
- Career Span: 2018–Present
- Achievements: Known for her match-turning cameos and sharp pace bowling.
- Highlight: A lower-order hitter who can change the game in a few overs.
Pooja has cemented her place as a reliable all-rounder, providing India with both fast-bowling options and aggressive batting in crunch moments.
You Can See Also:- Most Beautiful Women Cricketers in the World
Conclusion
The rise of Indian women’s cricket is not just about matches won, but also about the barriers broken and opportunities created. Players like Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami laid the foundation, while stars like Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Shafali Verma are carrying the legacy forward. With the success of the Women’s Premier League and increased global recognition, the future of women’s cricket in India looks brighter than ever.
