India fast bowler Kranti Gaud says it has been her personal goal from the beginning of the one-off Women’s Test to earn a place in the iconic Lord’s Committee of Honors after her match-winning performance led India to a historic 270-run victory over England.Gaude was an outstanding wicket-keeper, taking 5/37 in England’s first innings to give India a decisive 115-run lead. She followed England with figures of 2/54 in the second innings and were bowled out for 186 while chasing an ambitious target of 457 runs. Her seven wickets earned her the Man of the Match award.Looking back on the achievement, Gold admits that this milestone seemed unthinkable growing up, but once testing began, it became a clear goal.“Growing up, I never imagined that something like this would happen. But from the day this Test match started, I told myself that I wanted to put my name on the honor board,” she said in her post-match speech.The young pacer attributes her success to sticking to the basics and trusting the plan laid out by the coaching staff.“My approach is very simple. I just focus on my line and length. No matter what the coach tells me, I try to follow that and hit the same line and length consistently. That’s what I think about every ball.”Her five-wicket haul ensured she became one of the few cricketers to have her name engraved on the famous Lord’s Plate of Honor, a moment she said belonged to her family and mentors as much as to herself.“I’m very proud and so is my family. I want to thank everyone – my coaches, my seniors and everyone who has supported me throughout this journey.”Gaude also revealed that the Man of the Match award and match stumps will have a place in the special collection she has built at home.“I have built a small but special museum at home and this award will be there. I will keep the stump in the center forever.”Team India registered a famous victory on the fourth morning Snerana and Deepti Sharma England cleared the low after the hosts resumed play at 130/6. The comprehensive victory not only marked India’s first women’s Test victory at Lord’s but also extended India’s unbeaten run in domestic Test cricket in England.
