'We talk about derbies of other countries, but the Kolkata Derby is of a next level': Jhulan Goswami

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 season is gearing up for its second Kolkata Derby, with Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC set to clash against each other at the Salt Lake Stadium in the City of Joy on Sunday (Mar 10). Jhulan Goswami represented India in 284 matches on the international stage in a two-decade-long playing career emerging as one of the all-time greats of the sport. Her tally of 355 wickets is the highest of all time in women's international cricket.

Post-hanging her boots as a player, Goswami joined the Mumbai Indians women's team as their Mentor and bowling coach and played a key role in helping them win the Women’s Premier League (WPL) title in the inaugural edition in 2023.

Growing up in West Bengal, Goswami used to play a lot of football as a kid. She has also spoken in the past about how she would have liked to be a footballer if she hadn't been a cricketer. The former pacer took a liking for East Bengal FC and is a passionate supporter of the Red & Gold Brigade, eager to see them succeed in the upcoming derby. She has frequented the stands often as a spectator and describes it as an unmatched experience.

Kolkata Derby is of a next-level

“The rivalry between East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant is of a different class. If you have never been to the ground, you don’t know what kinds of things go on, and you can’t explain, it’s difficult. We talk about the derbies of other countries, but the Kolkata Derby is on the next level. It is one of the best derbies that I have experienced in my lifetime,” the 41-year-old said in an interaction.

Having played domestic cricket for Bengal, Goswami is privy to the excitement with which the Kolkata Derby is watched by players plying their trade