Born on July 19th, 1959, in Poona, Maharashtra, is former Indian Test and ODI captain, Shubhangi Kulkarni.
A right hand batter and leg break bowler, Shubhangi played in India’s inaugural Test match in 1976 under the captaincy of Shantha Rangaswamy, against the West Indies. In her first outing with the ball she took 5-48, instantly announcing her arrival on the international scene.
Part of the tour to New Zealand and Australia in 1976/7 for a one off Test against each nation, her leg breaks had an impact against both teams. Against Australia in Perth she collected 6-99, her best figures in Test cricket.
Called in to captain for the first Test against England in 1986, the first time India’s women’s team had toured the country. It made Shubhangi Kulkarni the fourth captain of India. Called up again to lead the side away to Australia, where captained for two matches.
In 19 Tests for India, Shubhangi scored 700 runs at 23.33 with a high score of 118. She took 60 wickets 27.45 with an incredible five times achieving five wickets in an innings. In 27 ODIs she took 38 wickets at 17.60 with a best of 4-27. She appeared in 1978 and 1982 World Cups.
After retirement Shubhangi still served the game off the field in administration for both the WCAI prior to the merger with BCCI and later with the ICC. A lifetime member of the MCC and recipient of the Arjuna award.
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