Captain Mithaliraj has advised young Indian cricketers participating in the Women’s World Cup to play enthusiastically without crisis.
Record: February 27, 2022 01:26
AM
Christchurch,
The 12th Women’s Cricket World Cup will be held in New Zealand from April 4 to April 3. Eight teams are India, defending champions England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, West Indies and Bangladesh. The Indian team will clash with Pakistan in its first league match on March 6. India captain Mithaliraj, who is set to step into the World Cup for the 6th time in a row, gave an interview to reporters via video yesterday. Then 39 year old Mithali Raj said: –
Last year we added some young players to the team and tested them in a lot of series. Most of them, especially the likes of Richa Ghosh, Shabali Verma, Magna Singh and Pooja Vastrakar, showed their talent to a high degree. We have given them ample opportunities in the competition. These series not only helped them but also as a captain identified who would be a good fit for me and the playing XI.
The young players have no previous experience of playing in a World Cup. This is a new beginning for them. This is the only advice I can give them. ‘Enjoy and play in big matches like this. If you are in crisis, you may not be able to express your best. ‘
The way I played and added runs (232 runs, including 3 fifties) in the recent one-day cricket series against New Zealand is pleasing. I wish the same form would continue in the World Cup. Deepti Sharma was the vice-captain for some matches in the New Zealand series. But Harmanpreet Kaur will be the vice-captain of the World Cup series. India is a team of experience and youth.
You are hearing about the International Cricket Council (ICC) saying that if the Corona influence within the teams increases then all the matches in this World Cup can be played with 9 players each. I don’t want to think too much about it. I want to play as a strong complete team.
Thus said Mithali.