The Top 10 Greatest Indian Women Cricketers of All Time list celebrates trailblazers who turned women’s cricket from a niche pursuit into a national passion. From Mithali Raj’s unmatched consistency to Jhulan Goswami’s fiery pace, these icons built India’s legacy through grit, records, and inspiration.
Defining the Top 10 Greatest Indian Women Cricketers of All Time
Ranking the Top 10 Greatest Indian Women Cricketers of All Time isn’t just about stats—it’s about impact, longevity, and moments that made a billion hearts race. These women played when stadiums were half-empty, pay was minimal, and skepticism was high, yet they persisted, paving the way for packed WPL finals and World Cup glory.
Let’s dive into the careers of these remarkable athletes who form the foundation and future of Indian women’s cricket. Their inspiring stories are why they are considered the Top 10 Greatest Indian Women Cricketers of All Time.
1. Mithali Raj: The Queen of Indian Cricket
No discussion about the Top 10 Greatest Indian Women Cricketers of All Time is complete without Mithali Raj. Often hailed as the ‘Sachin Tendulkar’ of women’s cricket, Raj’s career spanned over two decades, setting records that may never be broken. Her stoic determination and classical batting style made her the pillar of the Indian batting line-up.
- Key Fact: Mithali Raj is the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket, amassing over 10,868 runs across all three formats.
- Legacy: She is the only female cricketer to surpass 7,000 runs in Women’s ODIs and the only player to have captained India in more than one ICC ODI World Cup final (2005 and 2017). Her presence in the Top 10 Greatest Indian Women Cricketers of All Time is undisputed.
Also Read: Mahendra Kumar Sharma: The Unsung Visionary Who Built Women’s Cricket in India
2. Jhulan Goswami: The ‘Chakdaha Express’
Jhulan Goswami, a fast-bowling legend from a small town in Bengal, redefined pace bowling in women’s cricket. Her height, deceptive speed, and relentless accuracy made her one of the most feared bowlers in the world for two decades. Her journey is a true inspiration, making her an automatic inclusion in the Top 10 Greatest Indian Women Cricketers of All Time.
- Key Fact: She holds the record for the most wickets in Women’s ODIs, with over 250 scalps.
- Legacy: The 2007 ICC Women’s Player of the Year, Goswami was the emotional heartbeat of the team, leading the bowling attack with grace and grit. Her contribution is immeasurable.
3. Harmanpreet Kaur: The Power-Hitter
Harmanpreet Kaur is the dynamic, modern face of Indian cricket. Her aggressive, fearless approach with the bat and handy off-spin bowling have made her a match-winner in the T20 era. She is a vital member of the contemporary list of Top 10 Greatest Indian Women Cricketers of All Time.
- Key Fact: Her unbeaten 171 (off 115 balls) against Australia in the 2017 World Cup semi-final is considered one of the greatest ODI innings of all time.
- Legacy: She became the first Indian woman to score a century in a Women’s T20 International (WT20I) in 2018. She currently captains the T20I side and brings unparalleled energy to the field.
4. Smriti Mandhana: The Smashing Opener
Smriti Mandhana is the epitome of elegance and aggression. A stylish left-handed opener, she has quickly become one of the most marketable and celebrated cricketers globally. Her consistent performances ensure her place among the Top 10 Greatest Indian Women Cricketers of All Time.
- Key Fact: She was awarded the prestigious ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year (Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Award) twice, in 2018 and 2021.
- Legacy: Known as the “Goddess of the Offside,” she anchors the innings with her free-flowing strokeplay, often getting the team off to a blistering start.
5. Diana Edulji: The Trailblazer
The true pioneer of Indian women’s cricket, Diana Edulji’s contribution goes beyond statistics. A brilliant left-arm orthodox spinner and former captain, she fought tirelessly for recognition and better facilities for her teammates in the early days. She is the original entry into any list of the Top 10 Greatest Indian Women Cricketers of All Time.
- Key Fact: One of the earliest recipients of the Arjuna Award (1983) and a former record-holder for the most wickets by an Indian woman in Tests.
- Legacy: Her administrative fight after retirement secured the foundation for the professional structure we see today. Her career was a fight for equality and visibility.
6. Anjum Chopra: The Elegant All-Rounder
Anjum Chopra was a sophisticated middle-order batter and an inspirational former captain. Her technical solidity and ability to hold the innings together under pressure were invaluable. She’s rightfully recognized among the Top 10 Greatest Indian Women Cricketers of All Time.
- Key Fact: She was the first Indian woman to play 100 ODIs. She was honored with the Arjuna Award in 2007 and the Padma Shri in 2014.
- Legacy: Post-retirement, she became a respected commentator and mentor, continuing to shape the next generation of players.
7. Neetu David: The Spin Wizard
One of India’s most potent left-arm spinners, Neetu David was a formidable force, especially in Test cricket. Her ability to consistently turn the ball and trouble the best batters puts her on the exclusive list of the Top 10 Greatest Indian Women Cricketers of All Time.
- Key Fact: She holds the record for the best bowling figures in Women’s Test cricket for India, with a sensational 8 wickets for 53 runs against England in 1995. She was also the highest wicket-taker in the 2005 Women’s World Cup.
- Legacy: Her precision and wicket-taking ability were crucial for India’s success in the early 2000s.
8. Shantha Rangaswamy: The First Centurion
A true legend and the first superstar batter of Indian women’s cricket. Shantha Rangaswamy was a powerful right-handed batter and a handy medium-fast bowler. Her achievement of scoring the first-ever Test century for India’s women’s team cemented her status. She definitely belongs in any consideration of the Top 10 Greatest Indian Women Cricketers of All Time.
- Key Fact: Shantha Rangaswamy was the first Indian woman to score a Test century, an innings of 108 against New Zealand in 1977.
- Legacy: The first Indian woman to receive the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award, she was the original pioneer who showed that Indian women could compete and win on the international stage.
9. Deepti Sharma: The Modern All-Rounder
Deepti Sharma represents the modern breed of all-rounders—a reliable left-handed bat and an exceptionally smart right-arm off-spinner. Her utility across formats and ability to deliver clutch performances makes her one of the current greats and a sure inclusion in the Top 10 Greatest Indian Women Cricketers of All Time.
- Key Fact: Holds the record for the highest partnership in Women’s ODIs (320 runs) with Poonam Raut.
- Legacy: She is a consistent performer in all three departments, often breaking crucial partnerships with her cunning spin bowling or steadying the innings with her bat.
10. Sandhya Agarwal: The Test Batting Titan
Sandhya Agarwal was a run-machine in the 1980s and 90s, renowned for her high average and big scores in Test cricket. Her dominance in the longest format makes her a legendary figure among the Top 10 Greatest Indian Women Cricketers of All Time.
- Key Fact: She holds the record for the second-highest individual score by an Indian woman in Tests, scoring 190 against England in 1986. She was an absolute master of technique.
- Legacy: Her stellar Test average of $50.45$ (from 13 matches) showcases a level of consistency rarely seen, setting the bar for future batters.
Legacy of the Top 10 Greatest Indian Women Cricketers of All Time
These Top 10 Greatest Indian Women Cricketers of All Time transformed empty stands to 30,000 sellouts, minimal pay to ₹3cr auctions, and doubt to dominance. Their stories—from small-town nets to World Cup medals—inspire every girl picking up a bat.
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