Former India captain Anjum Chopra turns 41
Former India captain Anjum Chopra turns 41 today. The left-handed batswoman is one of the finest women cricketers to have donned the Indian jersey. A veteran of 127 ODIs, 12 Tests and 18 T20Is, Anjum was a force to reckon with during her prime. Here we take a look at some lesser-known facts about the former Indian captain of the women's cricket team.
ICC pays tribute to one of India's finest
Anjum's career in numbers
Across all formats of the sport, Anjum has scored 3,645 runs. In ODIs, she slammed 2,856 runs at an average of 31.38 with a solitary century and 18 half-centuries. Her highest score in 50-over format is 100.
Anjum made her debut aged just 17
Anjum Chopra made her ODI debut for India when she was just 17 years old. She played her first match against New Zealand at Christchurch. She is the first woman to score a hundred for India. Anjum Chopra is not only one of India's most successful cricketers, she is also the first Indian woman to play hundred ODIs for her nation.
Veteran of 6 World Cups
Anjum Chopra has represented India in six World Cups including 4 ODI World Cups and 2 T20 World tournaments. She is the first Indian woman to achieve this feat.
Anjum is one of India's most successful captains
Anjum Chopra was also one of India's finest captains. She was appointed the skipper in 2002. In her first series as the leader, she scripted a series whitewash against English women. Under Anjum's captaincy, India women's cricket team recorded their first Test victory overseas. Anjum is the only player in modern-day cricket to have played 12 Test matches along with 10+ ODIs and T20s.
Indian government has recognized her exploits on the field
Anjum is also a recipient of India's fourth highest civilian honor, the Padma Shri award. She was also honored with the Arjuna Award in 2007 for her achievements in the sport. Anjum Chopra is the first woman cricketer, from India, to be awarded an honorary life membership of the Marylebone Cricket Club.
