India’s keeper-batter Richa Ghosh addressed the post-match press conference after India registered a win in the third T20I and clinched their first T20I series win in five years at home.
Richa Ghosh was vital in India’s 60-run victory in the third T20I against West Indies at the DY Patil Stadium. The 21-year-old smashed an 18-ball fifty, recording the fastest fifty by an Indian batter and joint fastest alongside Sophie Devine and Phoebe Litchfield in the T20I format. Her innings powered India’s total to 217 – their highest total in the T20Is.
Addressing the media, Richa emphasized her mindset and approach with the bat in every game. She has a fearless approach that comes from practicing at nets and mental clarity, which allowed her to execute her aggressive game plan with confidence during the match. Richa stated, “The mindset is there in every game which comes from the practice sessions. If we have done something in the practice session, it feels easier to do it in a match. I had prepared in that manner and that helped me.”
Reflecting on her explosive innings, she credited the team’s start and Mandhana’s brilliance at the top order. The southpaw scored 77 off 46 balls as her innings provided the hosts the foundation to approach a big total. While Richa provided the finishing towards the backend, she struck a six off the very first ball and brought her fifty with a maximum. Richa’s innings included three boundaries and five sixes.
“We got a good start today. The way Mandhana played, I just continued to do that. I play in the same way in the nets. I like to hit the ball when it is in the slot. Feels good as all of us contributed to the team’s victory. Happy with my contribution too,” said Richa.
Looking ahead to the three-match ODI series against the Windies, Richa expressed optimism and a desire to maintain the aggressive approach going into the ODI leg. The three-match ODI series will be played at the Reliance Stadium in Vadodara and Richa highlighted adapting to the conditions on a new ground for the hosts.
Richa stated, “We will look to carry the momentum and approach the ODI series and not go easy, our approach should be much harder. It is a new ground, and we will try to assess the conditions first and plan accordingly.”
The wicket-keeper batter finished the series on a high note with scores of 32, 20 and 54 and showcased her growing stature as a finisher for the Indian side. When asked about her power-hitting abilities, Richa shared insights about interactions during the WBBL and WPL with some of the finest hitters in the game.
“I spoke with Sophie Devine and Deandra Dottin during the WBBL and WPL. I have also discussed a lot about hitting with Harry di (Harmanpreet), she is also one of the finest hitters,” said Richa.
She further reflected on their ODI series loss in Australia earlier this month and highlighted how to put their ODI series loss behind them and focus on carrying forward the momentum in the series. Richa remarked, “We wanted to forget the past and start afresh. We had come into this game to give our absolute best and not worry about the result, and everyone gave their best.”
The three-match ODI series will commence from December 22, and the hosts will look to continue their winning momentum.
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