Get Instant News Updates
Enable
x
Notification Settings X
Time Settings
Done
Clear Notification X
Do you want to clear all the notifications from your inbox?
Settings X
For Quick Alerts
ALLOW NOTIFICATIONS  
For Daily Alerts
 

Women's World Cup: It's the beginning of good times for women's cricket: Mithali Raj

Mithali Raj says the team's performance in the World Cup was a path-breaker

By Unnikrishnan

Mumbai, July 26: The Indian team's performance in the just-concluded ICC Women's World Cup in England could usher in a new era for women's game in India, felt skipper Mithali Raj.

"It is quite overwhelming to see the response. It is the first time for all of us. I did face a similar situation but of a lot lesser magnitude in 2005. This is just the beginning for good times ahead," said Mithali in a press meet here on Wednesday (July 26).

Mithali Raj file picture

"I think Indian women's team always deserved it but now with broadcasting and BCCI promotion, it has made a huge difference to women's cricket," she said.

The 34-year-old Mithali thought positively about the future of a women's Indian Premier League. "If you would have asked me a couple of years back if it was time for women's IPL, I might not have agreed. But after the World Cup and the way women cricketers have responded, every team has had a centurion in their side. Every country has improved their standards. It will also help domestic players who will be exposed to international environment," she said.

The final-reaching effort in the World Cup, Mithali said, has been a big morale booster for the team. "We were preparing for the qualifiers for the tournament. We had quadrangular series which was also a preparation for the World Cup. It made them realise that they were capable of stuff. It is important to make comebacks if you want to be in the top four and the girls have shown that," she said.

Tushar Arothe, the women's team coach, said the team members have started to believe in themselves. "The girls started believing in themselves when we won against South Africa in the finals. They started playing more confidently in the World Cup. I worked with the team in the past. The fitness level of women's team needs to improve."

Mithali was elated that she was appointed the captain of the ICC team. "It is not an easy job to lead a side especially in the final of such a huge tournament - there are bound to be critics and constructive criticism is always welcome. We always introspect after the game and I see where I can do better as a captain. If I start listening to everyone's opinions, mine own won't work. It is always better to listen to yourself and the team," she said.

OneIndia News

Story first published: Thursday, August 3, 2017, 7:55 [IST]
Other articles published on Aug 3, 2017