Anjum Chopra, a former cricketer and Captain of Indian Women Cricket Team, is a name not heard by many. Born on May 20, 1977 in New Delhi, she was the face of Indian Women Cricket Team in the male dominated game. Anjum was an all rounder and flexible with playing at any positions. She was a left handed batter and right arm medium fast bowler. She made debut in one day internationals and tests in 1995 when she was just 17 yrs.
Career:
Anjum Chopra started playing cricket when she was just 9 and got selected to play professional cricket in Delhi in an under 15 tournament. She made her ODI debut against New Zealand in 1995 and in her second series itself she was awarded player of the series. She made her test debut also in 1995 against England at Eden gardens. She then went on to become vice captain in 2000 in Cricinfo world cup and soon in 2002 became captain of Women in Blue, leading the team to whitewash England to lead to a record victory. She has played in 4 ODI world cups and 2 T20 world cups. Anjum has played at almost all positions and many match winning knocks in pressure situations to take India near the victory line. Apart from cricket, she is also a corporate speaker and consultant in profession. For her contribution to cricket, she has been honored with many awards from Arjuna, PadmaShri to honorary membership at MCC, Lord's cricket ground.
Statistics:
Competition | WODI | WTest | WT20I |
Matches played | 127 | 12 | 18 |
Runs scored | 2856 | 548 | 241 |
Highest score | 100 | 98 | 37* |
Batting average | 31.38 | 30.44 | 17.21 |
Balls bowled | 601 | 258 | - |
Wickets | 9 | 2 | - |
Best figures | 2/9 | 1/9 | - |
Bowling average | 46.00 | 44.00 | - |
Catches | 33 | 13 | 3 |
Must Read | Why is Mithali Raj called the Pillar of Indian Women's Cricket?
Records:
Anjum Chopra, being one of the pioneer cricketers of the Indian women's cricket team was also known for making and breaking many records during her era. She was the first player to do many stints like scoring an ODI hundred, playing 100 ODIs, to play 6 world cups for India, to get an international appointment as she worked with South African Women's National team as technical consultant. She was also the first captain to win a test series abroad, and also a whitewash series against England (5-0) at home. She also is the first woman to do commentary in men's cricket. She is the eighth highest run getter for women in ODIs. Anjum also holds the record for most catches in an innings in a test match in women's cricket for having 3 catches. She is one of the few players to open both batting and bowling in women's cricket.
Anjum Chopra was one of the pioneer cricketers who played a major role in helping Indian Women's Cricket Team to make a mark in World Cricket and helped in establishment of Women Cricket in the public as well as Government.
