In a recent interview with renowned Sports Journalist Boria Majumdar, we find the star of Indian Women’s Cricket opening upon many points. Mithali Raj has had a career of glories and her words off the field have their worth and weight. Experienced media-man Boria gets to talk candidly for India Today.
The first question directed towards Mithali was relating to the Women’s T20 Challenge (WIPL) in UAE. As the tournament is about to begin soon, the sequence seems natural. Mithali says that the future of WIPL looks bright and adds that a full-fledged tournament with six sides could be a reality. A good mixture of overseas talent and domestic stars can help the tournament reach new highs. Upon being asked about her age and its effect on her game, she says that the traditional view of players fading after a certain age is not very true at this age. She, as a player, has focused relentlessly on her physical fitness. The fans are awaiting the ipl news dearly where the girls would also get a chance to showcase their talents to the world.
National Cricket Academy and her interaction with male cricketing stars have helped to prepare for the International competition. She, however, acknowledges that adjustments have been brought to her game but the highlight is to understand one’s own game and making it ready for upcoming challenges with all possible help. As a skipper, she leads a diverse side, and often differences have made their way to spectators.
Mithali, however, says that while different individuals, naturally, have distinct opinions, the teams always follow a very professional approach. Players are aware of their roles as individuals and they realize the importance of sticking together. Her mantra as the skipper to keep communication continuous inside the squad.
Talking about ventures off the field, the biggest talk for Women’s Cricket has to be the upcoming autobiography of Mithali Raj. “Shabash Mithu” features Taapsee Pannu in the lead role as Mithali. She (Mithali) reveals that Taapsee has started her training though the movie got delayed due to pandemic. Mithali says that to keep her on-screen representation accurate, she urged Tapsee to learn the trademark cover drive.
The three teams will compete in the upcoming Women’s T20 Challenge to be played from 4th November to 9th November in the UAE.#IPL2020 #WomensT20Challenge pic.twitter.com/62MqIEDRHY
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) October 11, 2020
On her captaincy, Mithali says that she was young when she got the role and has made mistakes too. However, she knows that each skipper has his or her way of leading. She believes in performing and inspiring her teammates. As a leader, she has channeled her energy on building a stable, strong side. She agrees to have learned retaining her composure from MS and showing energy on the ground from Dada.
Talking about the BCCI and the new management under Sourav Ganguly, she says that she is satisfied with the way things have been for women’s cricket. She stressed that the occurrence of WIPL and a bilateral series hint that BCCI is serious for women’s cricket in the country.
A student who enjoys studying cricket more than anything else, keen to learn the insights of the women’s game.