India ODI captain Mithali Raj recently completed 22 years in international cricket and during the 3rd ODI against England recently, went part Charlotte Edwards’ record of most runs in women’s international cricket.
Raj will be leading the India women’s team in the upcoming Women’s World Cup in New Zealand in 2022. And while speaking to the press after India’s victory in the third and final ODI in Worcester, Mithali Raj spoke at length about her journey this far and how she wants to add new dimensions in her batting before the marquee ICC event.
“The way things have gone it wasn't an easy journey. It had its trials and challenges. I always believed that trials have a purpose," she said about her journey that started in Milton Keynes against Ireland in June 26, 1999.
"There were times when I wanted to give up for various reasons but something kept me going and here I am 22 years of international cricket but the hunger for runs have never sort of dried up. I am still very passionate to go out there, be there in the middle and win games for India. I know there is still room for improvements in terms of my batting and that is something I am working on... There are certain dimensions I would like to add to my batting..." she said at the virtual post-match press conference.
Mithali guided the Indian team to consolation victory over the home side after making 75* in 86 balls as India chased down a 220-run target.
She has already hinted that the 2022 Women's ODI World Cup, to be held in New Zealand from March 4 to April 3, will be her swansong. Mithali has already retired from T20Is.
"Batting has always been a role play for me in the team, the sort of role that's assigned to me over the years – taking the responsibility of the batting unit and play throughout. ...chasing gives me a better picture of building an innings along with other batters in the middle. I am able to control the game. That really worked for me and also having some young girls in the team, it helps to guide them when you are in the middle...
...trying to help them also to understand the situation and how to play in these conditions. The entire batting unit revolves around me, that's the job that is given to me by the coach and team management,” she said.
(PTI inputs)
