In a tournament obsessed with raw speed, India’s 22-year-old Kranti Gaud is proving that discipline still beats drama. Her 3/20 demolition of Pakistan wasn’t just another good day at the office; it was a masterclass in controlled aggression. So, what makes Gaud’s brand of fast bowling click when others chase the speed gun?
Under Colombo’s humid, swirling conditions, India thrashed Pakistan by 88 runs in the ICC Women’s World Cup, the same old story, but with a refreshing twist. Gaud’s 10 overs of accurate bowling (3 wickets, 3 maidens, an economy of less than 2.1) not only made the contest but defined it. India’s 247 looked a respectable but not necessarily a formidable score. But when Gaud and her fast bowling unit set themselves on the job of destroying the top order, the chase fell away at 159 in 43 overs.
Precision Over Pace: India’s New Fast-Bowling Creed
Kranti Gaud’s method was a model of restrained seam bowling. By paying attention to line and length, she made it impossible for the Pakistan players to play or leave the ball with any certainty, and made such good use of the late swing that edges were found in the slip cordon. Even when the captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, suggested taking the slip away for her second spell, Gaud’s instinct made her continue, and one important wicket tumbled. The pressure Gaud maintained in certain areas instead of relying on express pace amounted to her controlling the whole innings to the extent that India turned the 247 runs they obtained by batting into a figure which, in a psychological sense, loomed luridly before them.
Gaud’s psyche is an additional set-piece because, beyond technique, there is her confidence in her own decisions, such as insisting on a slip when the conventional wisdom is otherwise. Such fortitude is rare in a 22-year-old debut girl, and such qualities are those of a leader of men. Her savoir-faire in times of stress set up a template for India’s bowling unit: trust in your own strengths, execute your own ideas, and leave the inevitable results to take care of themselves. Such confidence in itself is an inspiration to her colleagues, since there is a great deal of merit in rotation in attacks, as Gaud can be depended upon to apply sustained pressure.
Data backs her evolution
- Gaud’s dot-ball percentage in this match: 64% (higher than the tournament average of 49%).
- Her economy rate (2.0) was the best by an Indian pacer vs Pakistan since 2017.
- And her second spell produced a wicket every 9 balls — elite death-phase efficiency.
In short, Gaud isn’t trying to be the fastest in the world. She’s trying to be the smartest bowler in the over.
Comparative View
Cricketing history is rich with bowlers who proved rhythm beats raw speed. Think of Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 2013 Champions Trophy run, bowling at 130 km/h, yet making the ball talk. Or Jhulan Goswami’s 2005–2017 arc, where her greatest weapon was discipline, not destruction.
Gaud’s current trajectory feels like a blend of both. Her insistence on swing, control, and wicket-taking fields shows tactical awareness uncommon for her age. The decision to keep a slip with an old ball? That’s instinct meeting cricket IQ.
The larger takeaway for India’s bowling unit? With Renuka Singh focusing on seam, Pooja Vastrakar on bounce, and Gaud mastering late swing, India’s pace trio could finally shed the “support act” tag to their spinners.
Key Takeaway: Kranti Gaud isn’t bowling fast; she’s bowling right. And that’s far more dangerous.
FAQs
- Why is Kranti Gaud’s bowling so effective?
She focuses on line, length, and swing rather than just raw pace.
- How did India win so comfortably against Pakistan?
A disciplined bowling effort, led by Gaud’s 3/20, dismantled Pakistan’s chase early.
- What makes Gaud different from other young pacers?
Her tactical maturity in reading match situations and trusting consistency over speed.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
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