Kranti Goud: From Dusty Roads to the Indian Jersey
From barefoot bowling on dusty roads to representing India, Kranti Goud’s journey is a story of pure determination.
Kranti Goud was born on 11th August 2003 in Ghuwara, a small rural town in Madhya Pradesh. The youngest of six children of Munna Singh and Neelam Goud, she grew up in a humble tribal family that faced several hardships.
In 2012, her father, a police constable, lost his job, forcing the family to move into a small rented home. With limited means, Kranti also left school to support her family. In her village, there were no cricket academies or proper grounds, just dusty roads and open fields. Yet, young Kranti would watch boys play cricket for hours, dreaming to join them one day.
Using a stick as a bat and a plastic ball, she began playing barefoot. One day, when a local men’s team needed an extra player, Kranti bowled out three senior players in a row. That moment changed everything. Local coach Rajeev Bilthare recognized her raw talent and trained her free of cost, even offering her a place to stay.
With her family’s unwavering support, Kranti kept practising, often walking miles barefoot to training. Her hard work paid off when she was selected for the Madhya Pradesh state team, and in 2025, she made her India debut.
Kranti says, “When I wear the India jersey, I remember those dusty roads where I first bowled barefoot. That pain built my strength.”
Her dream now is to buy a home for her family and help other young girls who can’t afford cricket gear a true revolution in motion.
