Squad Will Be Far More Stronger When I Retire After 2022 Women's World Cup: Mithali Raj

The Mithali Raj-led Indian women’s team lost the ODI series 4-1 against the White Ferns in their build-up to the 2022 Women’s World Cup. After losing four games on the trot, the Indian team won the fifth and final ODI with their batters finally getting some runs. Smriti Mandhana (71), Harmanpreet Kaur (63) and Mithali (57*) herself came up with crucial contributions as they chased down 252 to win inside 46 overs.

Mithali Raj spoke about the team’s performance after the game. She said that the team has improved as a whole and it was important for the team to have the right preparation ahead of the mega event.

Good Preparation Was Important Before World Cup: Mithali Raj

“We have improved over the last few games we have played, that’s a good sign before the World Cup. Was important to have the right preparation before the big tournament. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get the camps in India due to the rising Omicron cases,” said Mithali after India beat the New Zealand women’s team by six wickets at the John Davies Oval, Queenstown on Thursday.

Mithali further touched upon her international retirement. She said that when he retired after the Women’s World Cup, the Indian team will be far stronger with the emergence of some talented players. Richa Ghosh made her presence felt by scoring the quickest fifty by an Indian women cricketer in the fourth ODI.

“When I retire after this tournament, I will see that the squad is far more stronger with the upcoming new talent,” Mithali said after the fifth ODI against New Zealand.

She kept her opinion on the wicket to conclude her interaction. She said that the wicket aided the batters but her bowlers bowled well on that wicket to limit the opposition to a par score.

“The wicket seemed batting friendly, but the bowlers did well today. Something that we need to work more on is our fielding. Thanks to the New Zealand cricket board for giving us this opportunity,” she added.

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