Kranti Gaud

Among the promising names in India’s emerging fast-bowling group, Kranti Gaud stands out as a story of raw talent meeting opportunity. Her first taste of leather-ball cricket came almost by accident during a village match when she was asked to fill in for a short-handed team. What followed was an immediate impact that set her on the path to bigger things.

Encouraged by her early success, her father enrolled her in a nearby academy, though finances were a constant challenge. Recognising Gaud's potential, her coach waived the fees and provided her with a full kit, ensuring that talent did not go unpolished. It was during another local game that she caught the attention of Rajiv Bilthre, secretary of the Chhatarpur District Cricket Association, who played a key role in shaping her path through the Sagar Division setup. She rose quickly, captaining both district and divisional sides, and was instrumental in Sagar Division’s runners-up finish in the 2018-19 Under-16 tournament, which became a breakthrough moment for the region.

Kranti’s progress continued at the domestic level, highlighted by a stunning spell of 4/25 in the 2024–25 Senior Women’s One Day Trophy final, where she helped Madhya Pradesh clinch their maiden title. The performance earned her a Women’s T20 League contract with UP, where her raw pace and ability to move the ball both ways stood out.

The national call-up was only a matter of time. In May 2025, Gaud made her ODI debut against Sri Lanka, and shortly after produced a sensational 6/52 at Chester-Le-Street to seal a famous series win in England. Selection for the ODI World Cup squad capped off a breakthrough year for her, underlining her growing reputation as one of India’s brightest fast-bowling prospects.