“An All-Rounder Or Someone With Multiple Skills Is The Way Forward For Women’s Cricket” - Mithali Raj

India’s women’s cricket team suffered yet another defeat in the ICC tournament knockout game. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side lost to Australia by five runs in the first semi-final of the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 in Cape Town. Former Indian cricketer Mithali Raj feels that more multi-dimensional players and pacers are needed in the squad.

The senior women’s team needs to wait more time for their first ICC trophy after their exit from the ongoing World Cup. Mithali Raj led India to the final of the 2017 ODI World Cup, where they were defeated in a close match. The Women in Blue are the runners-up in the 2020 Women’s T20 World Cup and were semi-finalists in the 2018 and 2023 World Cups.

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Players With Only One Side To Their Game Are Not As Desired – Mithali Raj

In her column for the International Cricket Council (ICC), former India captain and legendary batter Mithali Raj emphasized the importance of all-rounders and the rise of fast bowlers for countries looking to further their development in women’s cricket.

“All players understand the importance of having two- and three-dimensional players now. Players with only one side to their game are not as desired in today’s game. Only players with exceptional talent like Meg Lanning, Smriti Mandhana, and a few others who are extraordinary batters can thrive or a Darcie Brown or Shabnim Ismail who can clock 120 plus. Everyone else has developed their skillset and added to their overall game.”

“For example, we’ve seen how England’s Sophie Ecclestone has developed her skills with the bat in the death overs, with her cameo against India proving decisive come to the end. Grace Harris can contribute with the ball and take wickets for Australia, so I think establishing yourself as an all-rounder, or someone with multiple skills, is the way forward for women’s cricket,” she wrote.

The inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2023 is set to be played between March 4 and 26. All 22 games will be played at Brabourne Stadium and DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai. This will be a watershed moment in the growth of women’s cricket in the country.

Also read: PSL 2023: Watch- ‘Ro Kar Milon Unhain? Kya Kare, Aap Bataiye’- Babar Azam’s Witty Response To A Reporter Lauding Him On Meeting His Rival Captains With A Smile

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