Anjum Chopra: Showing the way in the women’s game

One of the pioneers of women's cricket in India and leaving a legacy for the next generation to follow, Anjum Chopra has been inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.

Speaking on her induction, Chopra said, “As a kid growing up in a sporting household, I had heard stories of cricketing greats
and momentous achievements. A dream to play for India got instilled very early on. I was encouraged to think big by my parents, teachers and coaches who have always been there to support me during tough times.

“I also got the timely support of administrators as I went on to wear the national colours with great pride. This honour - to be recognised amongst the game’s greatest - is an award for all those who have helped shape my career. I am thankful to all of them and delighted to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.”

Anjum Chopra was a stalwart of India's batting in the latest 90s and early 2000s // Getty Images

Dependable at the top of the order and an inspirational leader, Chopra represented India during a transformative period for the women's game, helping establish the national side among the world's leading teams. 

Known for her composure at the crease, elegant strokeplay, tactical understanding and commitment to the team's cause on the field, Chopra's influence extended beyond her own performances, as it helped galvanise the growth of women's cricket in India.

Across a 17-year international career, she scored more than 3,500 international runs, captained her country with distinction and became the first Indian woman to play 100 One Day Internationals.

Building a foundation for Indian women's cricket

An active sportsperson in her youth, Chopra represented schools and colleges in athletics, basketball and swimming, while representing New Delhi in cricket at youth level.

Her ability was obvious to those around her, though, like many to grow into the game; she was trusted more with the ball than with the bat, though she eventually shone with the latter as time went on.

Chopra made her international debut as a teenager against New Zealand in 1995, opening the bowling, though she showed steel down at No.10 in a death-over situation, helping Pramila Bhatt complete a two-wicket win in the penultimate over of the match.

A Test debut followed in November against England in the same year, and her batting qualities that would go on to show themselves first came to the fore. Sent in to see off the English attack in an evening session in Kolkata, a resolute Chopra saw off the tourists’ threat and helped the hosts to a first-innings lead.

Chopra quickly established herself as one of India's most reliable batters at a time when opportunities in the women's game were limited.

Anjum Chopra was the first Indian player to score 1,000 runs in Women's ODIs // Getty Images

Comfortable against both pace and spin, Chopra garnered a reputation for being strong down the ground, and became a key member at the top of India's batting order through the late 1990s, occupying the crease and providing stability in challenging conditions.

Chopra developed into one of the team's senior figures, becoming vice captain of the side at the 2000 Cricket World Cup, where she was the team’s highest run-scorer and claimed two Player of the Match awards.

Leading India onto the global stage

Chopra assumed the captaincy in 2002, during one of the most significant periods in Indian women's cricket, guiding a talented side that was beginning to challenge the established powers of the game.

She claimed a clean sweep home series win over England in her first assignment as skipper, before leading India to their first overseas Test win over South Africa in Paarl.

Chopra also played a pivotal role in the 2005 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, also in South Africa, where she was the highest run-getter for India on the road to the Final. A senior player in a squad featuring emerging stars such as Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami, Chopra was the cornerstone for her country. Although Australia proved too strong in the final, India's runners-up finish marked a watershed moment for the women's game that would inspire a new generation of players.

Throughout her career, Chopra remained a dependable presence in the batting order, combining patience with sound technique while adapting to the evolving demands of international cricket. Her ability to lead from the front and guide younger teammates made her one of the most respected figures in the dressing room.

An influence far beyond the boundary

Chopra led India to a Test series win over England away from home, with her 98 at Taunton in a five-wicket win the most important contribution in the match. She was also shortlisted for the first-ever ICC Women’s Player of the Year Award, only to be edged by Karen Rolton, before claiming a third successive Asia Cup trophy in 2006. She also claimed the Arjuna Award, one of India’s highest sporting honours, in August 2007.

She became the first India women’s player to play 100 ODIs, and went on to play a total of six World Cups for India, including the first two T20 World Cups. Her hands in the field matched her dependability with the bat, going on to score over 3000 runs in the international game, and averaging over 30 in the two longer formats where bowling dominated.

Her broader impact on the women's game is enduring. As one of the leading voices for women's cricket, Chopra’s work as a broadcaster, author and ambassador for the game has continued to contribute to the game, championing women's cricket to larger audiences.

Chopra also became the first women’s cricketer from India to be awarded an honorary life membership of the MCC, back in 2016.

As Indian women's cricket was laying its foundations, Chopra was at the forefront of its progress. 

She helped shape the path that has led India to become one of the leading forces in world cricket today.