The pandemic has taken all sporting activities around the globe to a pause. Fans and players are forced to sit back at home at the time when cricket would have been at its peak. Nonetheless, the hope to be back on the field soon is something that unites all the faces.
Players are practicing at homes and are training to not get rusty in the lockdown. A lot of them are entertaining the fans with interactions of various channels. Recently, the Indian skipper, in an Instagram live session, wished that the outbreak of the novel coronavirus ends soon and the people around the globe get back to their lives.
She hoped that cricket will be back on track and the female team could get the all-important ODI matches before heading to the world cup in 2021. Mithali Raj has, undoubtedly, been one of the greatest cricketing faces in Indian cricket. She is the ambassador of the game for young players. Having such a glorious career, Mithali Raj feels that she needs to end the distance between an ICC trophy and her side. She said that 2021 will see the best from her and the team to make sure that the drought of a world cup ends for the women in blue.
She was interacting with cricketer-turned commentator Lisa Sthalekar on Instagram where fans could see the interaction live. Mithali was heard expressing that after featuring in 5 50-over world cups, not having a trophy in the cabinet really hurts. She feels that Jhulan and herself have featured in a healthy number of world cups and would like to give her best shot in 2021. Interestingly, Mithali made her debut in a world cup contest.
She started her career and the 21st century with a century to her name. From then, she and the Indian side have come close to the cup twice but only to get the hearts shattered. The most recent heartbreak was in 2017 when the side lost to the English by a narrow margin. Mithali has taken herself away from the shortest format of the game. She has retired from T20 internationals. Her focus, hence, greatly lies on the ODIs.
She alongside the veteran Jhulan will be the vital face in Indian dugout during the 2021 world cup campaign. The world cup is scheduled in New Zealand. Mithali hopes that the world and the game will be back on track before the much-awaited tournament. It has to be noted that Indian female players have not played any competitive cricket after their finals in MCG.
India’s tour against England in June-July has been called off in the wake of the COVID crisis. The tour, as per Mithali, would have helped the side adapt into the One-day mood. A few matches and handful bilateral competitions would be necessary to get in the groove and that’s what Mithai prays for.
Loves all things female cricket
