Cricket is considered the most competitive sport with cricketing rivalries existing between several countries. It is a sport in which every single ball matters, every wicket is precious, and every single run counts. However, no matter how much the competition is, the cricketing spirit amongst the players is always alive and at times impresses the fans, the other players, and everyone around. One such gesture which is worth appreciation was shown by India’s Punam Raut during their one-off historic test match against Australian women.
Raut was batting well before a ball by Sophie Molineux was caught by wicketkeeper batter Alyssa Healy which though the umpire gave not out, Raut knew the ball touched the bat and she went on walking back to the dressing room. Her act got viral on Twitter within minutes. While some criticized her for giving away her wicket, many applauded her for showing such a nice gesture on the field.
Unbelievable scenes 😨
Punam Raut is given not out, but the Indian No.3 walks! #AUSvIND | @CommBank pic.twitter.com/xfAMsfC9s1
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 1, 2021
Times of India interviewed her regarding this act for hers where she said, “When I walked off it was an impulsive decision, and I knew it was out and I listened to my soul and did what I felt right at that time. Usually, when a wicket falls no team likes it, and the same happens. Everyone always has a different opinion, but I did what I felt like was right.”
Further, Raut also talked about making it to the team this time after being dropped from the tour against England which left her disappointed but with a belief that such things are part and parcel of the game and the team is trying different combinations ahead of the World Cup next year.
When asked about her strike rate being a point of concern, she said that given the team is a balanced one with around seven to eight being able to bat out of the playing XI, four of which proper batters while the remaining three allrounders, her strike doesn’t seem to be an issue as you can’t expect everyone to play at the same rate but what is important is for someone to lead from the front batting till the last and rotate the strike as much as possible. She further said that she adjusts her game according to the format she is playing and also on the demand of the situation and is working to improve on her weaker areas with the help of the team’s coach Ramesh Powar and other coaching staff.
Raut described her journey of being a part of the Indian team as an amazing opportunity which she looks to continue for years ahead, she said “I am really happy and grateful that I got an opportunity to represent India. Not a lot of people get a chance to play for India for as long as I am playing, the last 12 years have been like a dream which I don’t want to end soon. Right now, the focus for us is winning the World Cup and the entire team is looking forward to the same. Winning the World Cup would be like the perfect icing for my cake.”
She also admitted that women cricket has now started to gain more popularity in India now and supported the demand for Women Indian Premier League (WIPL) raised by her fellow teammates stating that this would provide a good platform for the team to play with players from other countries and thus, would have a great impact on the game.
Raut ended by giving Indians hope for a World Cup trophy next year saying, “Our chances are quite bright as we have a good team which can beat any team in the world. We have done that in our previous series.”
Loves all things female cricket
