Mithali Raj, Harmanpreet Kaur
Mithali Raj, Harmanpreet Kaur. (Photo: Twitter)

Newly-appointed India women’s team limited-overs captain Harmanpreet Kaur lavished praise on her predecessor Mithali Raj and said that nobody can replace her in the Indian team.

After playing the game for more than two decades, Mithali announced her retirement from international cricket on June 8. Mithali was undisputedly the best player to play the game and the flagbearer of women’s cricket.

Mithali featured in 12 Tests, 232 One-Day Internationals and 89 T20 Internationals in her storied career of 23 years. She scored 7805 runs in 211 ODI innings, the highest in women’s cricket altogether. She played in six 50-over World Cups for India and led them in four of those editions. In the 2022 World Cup, Mithali surpassed Australia’s Belinda Clark to become the most capped skipper in Women’s World Cup history.

Don't Think There Is Anyone Who Can Replace Mithali Raj - Harmanpreet Kaur
Mithali Raj. (Credits: Twitter)

Don’t think there’s anyone who can take Mithali Raj’s place: Harmanpreet Kaur

Harmanpreet, who was already the captain in the T20I format, was named the successor of the 39-year-old Mithali. The Indian stylish batter said no individual can replace Mithali and the team will miss her presence in the dressing room.

“Well, we all know she has done great for women’s cricket and nobody will be able to fill this place. We are working on our team where we can create some great combinations. But regarding Mithali Di, I don’t think there’s anyone who can take her place. We will all miss her in the dressing rooms and the things she has done,” Harmanpreet said at a virtual press conference on Saturday (June 18). 

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Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur.
Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur. Image: BCCI

We will look to play our first combination in T20 cricket: Harmanpreet Kaur

Harmanpreet’s first assignment will be in Sri Lanka, where the Indian team is slated to play three T20 Internationals and as many ODI matches before they play in the T20 cricket’s inaugural edition at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

“In T20s we will definitely look to [play] our first combination, give them as many games as possible. In the ODIs, we have a little time to prepare for the next World Cup [in 2025] and it is where we will see if we can give chance to each and everybody,” the Indian women’s team captain said. 

India will play the first T20I against Sri Lanka women’s team on June 23 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.

Also Read: Sri Lanka Tour Is A Great Opportunity For All Of Us To Build A Team – Harmanpreet Kaur