Overview
- India lifted its maiden ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, defeating South Africa by 52 runs at DY Patil Stadium, with the 22-year-old pacer part of the title-winning XI.
- Gaud finished the tournament with nine wickets, including a 3 for 20 match-winning spell against Pakistan that earned her player of the match.
- She made her ODI debut on May 11, 2025 in Colombo and soon delivered 6 for 52 at Chester-le-Street, ending as the leading wicket-taker of the England series.
- Coming from a tribal family in Ghuwara, she started by filling in on boys’ teams, initially only as a fielder, and says she did not even know an Indian women’s team existed before structured coaching.
- Recognition has followed the triumph, with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announcing a ₹1 crore reward and Gaud meeting President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.