Kolkata: Bengal captain Rumeli Dhar has reiterated the fact that the state is capable of producing international players but is only left behind because of consistency. The former India captain is currently leading Bengal in the Senior Women’s One-dcame ay Trophy.
“The Bengal players, I have seen till now possess the ability. They can play for India, just they have to be more consistent at the domestic level. We have to play with our hearts and soul. Be it batting or bowling, any player has to be consistent every year,” Dhar told exclusively to Sportslight Media.
The senior pro, who has also represented Delhi before, came back to the Bengal setup a couple of years back. “The players I have seen in the last two years, since my return to this team, are capable. They just lack consistency, I always try to guide them and say them to keep a bigger goal in life,” she added.
Bengal finished Elite Group B in second place to qualify for the knockouts. “The team is very good. There is a mixture of youth and experience. Even in the last year, the team was good. The team is highly spirited, Initially, we lost one match because the players took time to get into the groove. But it is the part of the game, the next matches we will play and we will win,” Dhar sounded confident.
Dhar led the Indian side in the 2008-09 tour of Australia becoming the second from Bengal after Jhulan Goswami to lead the national team. One of her greatest attributes is her versatility.
She has batted at the top, down the order and even took the new ball in her illustrated career. Asked what’s her favourite position to bat on, Dhar said, “Always a one down.” “I like that position, because I get the new ball and also I get enough time on the pitch.
“I have played in the middle order too, as No.5 batter in the Indian team and Indian Railways. It is a very crucial position to bat on. Because coming as No.5 batter you have to look out for team, and score runs.
“I have been playing one down, for the last few years. As an experienced player, I can help my team as a one-down batter. I get time for myself and carry my team as well, playing better cricketing shots,” she stated.
Dhar, who has opened the bowling with Jhulan Goswami at the international level — the only pair from Bengal — also stated that she keeps on passing advice to the youngsters to develop.
“I have played in the international and domestic level for so many years now. Being a senior experienced player if I share my experience with my youngsters they will take that, get benefit from that. This is always going to help the team,” she concluded.
