India rejoiced after Mithali Raj and her team returned home with glorious victory at the Asia Cup 2016 in Bangkok. Consistently maintaining their position as the best team, India bagged this Cup for the sixth time leaving history to repeat its course again as it did before. Survival of the fittest as it says, India managed to make it to the finals of this cup and proved to be worthy of this title. So here is what Mithali Raj had to say about the accomplishment.
The captain is very sure that this win will get the players sufficient amount of confidence that they need for the World Cup in England that will be hosted soon. As they have to prepare themselves for the qualifiers lying ahead the team is aware it won’t be an easy task but this experience will definitely count as they place their step towards the World Cup. It will be a totally new experience for the fresh members in the squad.
Looking forward to a brighter future, India’s best-ever women’s cricketer who was named as ‘player of the tournament’ and ‘player of the final’ says that this kind of experience boasts the morale of the players which is necessary for the battle that lies ahead. She said,” Definitely, the players are starting to perform better, though they can be more consistent. I think the biggest positive of this Asia Cup was our bowling attack and the middle-order. The spinners did well on the tracks which were not conducive to spin. They bowled really tight and got the big breakthroughs.”
The 34-year old cricketer says that there is plenty of talent in the team and a significant number of performers who have the capability to win the games on their own. With the BCCI taking constant care on all the factors, the players should be in the right frame be it mentally or physically for the qualifiers. Mithali Raj also added that she needs few players who can back her up when the pressure increases or when it isvery close to the peak. She firmly believes that team efforts pay off at such majors.
She talks enthusiastically about her new role as an opener which she is enjoying. She has been progressive all these years to come towards the top position in the list. She says,” It took time for me to settle down but clearly relishing the challenge of the opportunity of batting right through the innings. A strong middle order has helped my cause.”
She was glad that Women’s cricket was telecast live on TV because it is really crucial for recognition of Female cricket. This will contribute to the overall progress of female cricket and work towards an appreciation of their efforts.
She ends it as,” Being a witness to the evolution of women’s cricket from the pre-BCCI days when there was nothing to rave about to now when the players are paid handsomely. Thanks to the central contract system, things are much better for us.”
