Kolkata: India women’s ODI captain Mithali Raj prefers to keep the basics right in a tournament like ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 when she leads her team in the mega extravaganza with an aim to lift the title for the first time.
India have never won a women’s cricket World Cup despite coming so close in 2005 and 2017 editions. India finished runners-up in both the editions under Mithali. “Well I think, I have always preferred sticking to the basics and fundamentals of the game because when you play a big game or a high-pressure situation,” Mithali said.
“It’s very difficult to maintain a composure. At that time, I think it’s better to focus on basic things that we have learned all these years,” stated the 39-year-old Indian skipper. India will face Pakistan in their campaign opener on March 6.
The highest run-getter in women’s ODIs, Mithali, also expressed optimism about the India’s women’s cricket fan base throughout the world. She hoped that every youngster should look up to the young women who have fought so hard to ensure that the sport is acknowledged worldwide.
“Well, I hope you know the fanbase of Indian women’s cricket should improve, should increase as each and every player becomes a household name. There are lot many young girls who look up to them and I am sure they will idolize many more women cricketers and just not girls even boys should look up to the young girls.
“These girls have worked very hard, sacrificed so much to get the sport where it is. And it will be a huge in a way boost the sport in India,” said Mithali when asked to compare how women’s cricket has grown from 2017 World Cup till now.
Captain Mithali Raj discusses India's preparation, goals for #CWC22 and the desire to win their first ever ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 🏆
— ICC (@ICC) March 1, 2022
While batting was a concern in the previous World Cup, the young Indian team have improved a lot in the past year. Although they lost series to South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, Mithali would be happy how things have gone in their favour in the last three games.
After losing the first four ODIs against New Zealand last month, India bounced back with a comfortable win in the fifth game before securing victories against South Africa and West Indies in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 warm-up ties.
Mithali also stressed the significance of teamwork in the build-up to the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022. And she would be looking forward to all her players in a way that would unlock the doors to their maiden World Cup trophy. “I want all my players to do really well and that gives an opportunity to the Indian team to get a hand on that elusive cup,” she stated.
