Siliguri greets homegirl Richa

BIRESWAR BANERJEE, TT, 14 Jan 2020, Siliguri: Richa Ghosh, the new entrant in the Indian women's cricket team, got a heroic reception at her hometown on Monday.

Hundreds visited her home at Subhashpally here and greeted her for her selection for the national squad. Right from common cricket enthusiasts to prominent people and elected representatives, everybody had been at Richa's house, handing over flowers to her and appreciating her talent.

Richa, who is known for her aggressive batting skills, said Sachin Tendulkar had been his role model and that she wanted to be consistent like him.

"I have always idolised Sachin Tendulkar and wanted to bat like him. After getting selected for the national team, my aim is to prove my consistency in batting so that I can excel further," she said.

The 16-year-old cricketer has been selected in the national side for the upcoming T20 Women's World Cup that will be held in Australia next month. Ahead of the tournament, she will also play in the Indian team at an ODI series against Australia which would be played in India. "Her aggressive batting style has helped her achieve a berth in the national team. We are sure that after the upcoming T20 WC, she would get call from the teams of Big Bash League in Australia," Bibek Sarkar, secretary of Bagha Jatin Athletic Club's cricket coaching centre, said on Monday.

Richa was only five years old when she had joined this coaching centre, located in Collegepara of the city.

As of now, there are seven girls at the coaching centre, who regularly practice cricket at Siliguri College Ground.

"We have played together many matches in district level. It is a huge achievement for Richa and her success will inspire more cricketers like us," said Priyanka Kurmi, captain of Siliguri district women's cricket team.

Tapan Bhowal, the coach of district women's cricket team, mentioned about the old demand for a cricket ground..