Daijiworld Media Network - Ghuwara

Ghuwara, Jan 13: As one enters Ghuwara village in Madhya Pradesh and asks for Kranti Gaud, directions come easily with a proud smile and a simple line: “World Cup jita hai jisne.” The young all-rounder has become the pride of the village, with her World Cup triumph turning her into a household name across the region.

Though Kranti had already begun making a mark in cricket before the historic win, India’s title-winning victory over South Africa etched her name permanently into the country’s World Cup folklore. Today, her journey is discussed in every corner of Ghuwara.

Beyond the celebrations, the World Cup brought personal responsibilities. One of Kranti’s most cherished goals was helping her father, Munna Singh, a police constable who had been suspended from service years ago. For 13 long years, the family waited for justice until Kranti’s success opened a long-closed door.

During a felicitation ceremony, Kranti raised the issue with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, who assured her that the matter would be addressed. “The letter is yet to arrive. His job letter will come soon. It may take a little time, but it will come very soon. I’m really thankful to God. I’m happy that he will get his police uniform back,” Kranti told TimesofIndia.com.

She credited her parents for standing firmly by her cricketing dreams. “I always played with boys, often older than me, and that’s how I learned the game. People questioned it, but my parents always supported me. I come from a small village, but their mindset was very big. Whatever I am today is because of them,” she said.

Kranti noted that her World Cup success has also changed social attitudes. “People who earlier believed girls couldn’t do certain things have now started believing that girls can do anything. There’s a lot of change happening,” she added.

Recalling her early days, Kranti said her love for cricket grew on a ground in front of her house where boys used to play. Initially restricted to fielding, she gradually learned bowling by observing and copying them. “By staying with them and watching them closely, I learned how to bowl,” she said.

Kranti also spoke about her admiration for India all-rounder Hardik Pandya. After the World Cup, her photo recreating Pandya’s iconic victory pose went viral. “When he commented on my photo, I couldn’t believe it for two hours. I was very happy. I haven’t met him yet, but I really wish to meet him soon,” she said.

At the WPL 2026 auction, Kranti was retained by UP Warriorz for a second consecutive season after the franchise exercised its Right-to-Match card, securing her for Rs 50 lakh. “I really wanted to play for UP Warriorz again. I was very happy they picked me. I want to give my best and be part of a title-winning team,” she said.