Had the Women’s Premier League (WPL) launched during Jhulan Goswami’s prime, around 2017/2018, when she held the world record for the most ODI wickets and was named ICC Player of the Year, she would have been the undisputed crown jewel of the inaugural auction.

Her availability at that time would have been a game-changer, addressing a key strategic need for franchises: securing a world-class, genuine Indian fast bowler capable of consistently bowling above 120 km/h. Goswami’s reputation, peak fitness, and legacy as the only Indian woman to win the ICC Player of the Year award at that time would have sent her value soaring well beyond typical domestic salary projections. She would have been the most sought-after signature, not only guaranteeing instant wickets but also establishing a foundational pace-bowling culture for any franchise.

WPL auction dynamics for the world’s best Indian pacer Jhulan Goswami

As the undisputed spearhead of India’s attack, Goswami’s price would not have been restricted to the domestic salary cap but rather benchmarked against the league’s highest-paid foreign stars. Listed at the maximum base price, she would have quickly shattered domestic salary ceilings.

Considering that international stars like Nat Sciver-Brunt and Ashleigh Gardner fetched ₹3.2 crore, and top Indian players like Harmanpreet Kaur went for up to ₹2.5 crore, Goswami’s bidding would realistically have settled between ₹3.0 crore and ₹3.8 crore. She would undoubtedly have become the highest-paid Indian player in the inaugural WPL auction, reflecting both her undeniable impact on T20 cricket (with a best T20I bowling figure of 5/11 against Australia in 2012) and her massive, enduring brand power. Franchises that missed out on securing her, or her legendary contemporary, Mithali Raj, would have found themselves at a tactical disadvantage from the outset of the league.

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Jhulan Goswami’s on-field impact: The undisputed spearhead and leader

The franchise that secured Goswami would have instantly acquired the most influential player in the league, transforming into a title contender. As the only active Indian fast bowler of her caliber, she would have been the unquestioned leader on the field, playing every match and shouldering the responsibility of bowling the key new-ball and death overs. Her exceptional ability to generate bounce from her 5’11” frame would have made her a constant threat on any pitch.

But her influence would not have been limited to her bowling. As a veteran of two decades in international cricket, she would have also served as the tactical captain of the bowling unit, using her experience to set fields, mentor younger pacers, and provide invaluable strategic insights. Her mere presence would have set the standard of professionalism, establishing a performance benchmark for all teams and giving her franchise the single most significant competitive advantage in the inaugural WPL season.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.