Mithali Raj Admits She Would Have Retired If India Had Won The 2017 World Cup

Indian veteran women’s cricketer Mithali Raj has set his sights on making her side win the World Cup next year in New Zealand to end her international career on a high. In the last couple of years, India came very close when Mithali Raj was part of the national team and missed out closely on lifting the cup.

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In 2017, India met England in the final at the Lord’s, losing by nine runs after suffering a collapse from a winning position. In the 2018 edition of the T20 World Cup, England encountered India in the semi-finals and knocked them out of the tournament. It was a match for which Mithali Raj was controversially left out, sparking outrage amongst the social media.

Mithali Raj recalled her disappointment in 2013 when the tournament held in India and the team could not even qualify for the super-six stage. The 37-year old gave attempted once more and admitted to have worked pretty hard as a captain and player. Mithali went on to remark that she would have retired had India won the finals in 2017.

“In 2013, when India hosted the world cup, we didn’t even qualify for the super six stage. I was hurt and quite disappointed. I thought let me give a try in 2017 World Cup. Then I really worked hard for that World Cup. As a player, as a captain, I did a lot of homework. I thought when we were in the finals, if we win the finals, then I will retire,” she said on Star Sports 1 Telugu show Girl Power-Sarileru Manakevvaru.

“Hopefully with everybody’s wishes and God willing we should crack it” : Mithali Raj

The highest run-getter in women’s ODI cricket conceded that after playing for 21 years, the only thing missing from her list of achievements was winning the World Cup. Hence, she hopes that 2021 is the year when they are able to crack the code.

“After playing for so many years, probably I had everything, except that one World Cup. In 2021 again I am going to give another try, hopefully with everybody’s wishes and God willing we should crack it,” the Rajasthan-born added.

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