Seasoned India left-arm spinner Gouher Sultana has formally announced her retirement from all types of cricket. Having played for India at the international stage for more than six years, Sultana’s career has been one of grit, determination, and an abiding passion for the sport.
International Career of Gouher Sultana: A Story of Talent and Endurance
Making her debut in 2008, Gouher Sultana played 50 ODIs and 37 T20Is for India before her last match in April 2014. For her international cricket career, she took 66 wickets at a fabulous average of 19.39 in the ODIs, ranking third among India’s all-time greatest ODI bowlers with a minimum of 50 wickets.
Sultana played two ICC ODI World Cups (2009 and 2013), where she took 12 wickets in 11 matches. She also represented the nation in three T20 World Cups from 2009-2014, with an economy of 5.81 and seven wickets to her credit.
Return to the Limelight: Gouher Sultana in WPL 2024 and 2025
Gouher Sultana made a stunning return to international cricket after a 10-year break in the Women’s Premier League, playing for the UP Warriorz. She played 2 matches in WPL 2024 and another 2 in the 2025 season.
Although she took a wicketless appearance in all those matches, her comeback was an indication of determination and passion for the sport. Sultana bowled just one over during the 2025 season but continued to be an admired member of the UP Warriorz squad.
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A Player of Passion and Perseverance
In an ESPNcricinfo interview before her WPL comeback, Gouher Sultana explained her state of mind:
“Times there when I wanted to quit seasons that I performed poorly, my mental state was disrupted. But even when I was on the verge of quitting, I said to myself, ‘No, this should not be the end. I must finish it the way I want it.'”
Gouher Sultana’s Contribution Beyond Playing
Now 37 years of age, BCCI Level 2 certified coach Gouher Sultana is poised to motivate the next generation of cricketers with her skills and experience in the game.
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Gouher Sultana’s Final Words
In her Instagram retirement message, Sultana conveyed heartfelt thanks:
“To have played for India at the best level in World Cups, tours and epics that challenged skill and spirit has been the biggest privilege of my life.”
“Each wicket taken, each dive on the field, each huddle with my teammates has made the cricketer and person I am today.”
Gouher Sultana: A Role Model for Future Generations
As gouher sultana moves away from the cricket field and from her responsibilities in cricket, her legacy as a dedicated bowler, inspirer, and guide will continue to burn bright. From her first international breakthroughs to her late in the Wpl comebacks, gouher sultana’s cricketing journey is a showcase of her dedication, commitment, and passion to be an inspiring figure in Indian women’s cricket.
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