The International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s World Cup is around the corner as teams gear up for next year's mega event. India will be one of the hot favourites to clinch the title as the runners-up from 2017 will try to go one better. The leader who almost guided India to the glory in 2017, Mithali Raj spoke to Sports Tak as she is assured India are on the right track before the tournament.
“When you play the strong sides, it brings the best out of your game and that’s what we witnessed in England and Australia series. Even though we lost the series, but matches were close as we posted 270 and chased 270. If India can do this consistently we can be one of the best sides in the world,” Mithali told Sports Tak as she insists India will be a force going into the World Cup.
The Indian skipper who was the second-highest run-scorer in the 2017 event with 409 runs (missing out on the top spot by just one run to Tammy Beaumont’s 410) shared her opinion on the team’s performance. She believes the upcoming New Zealand tour will be the perfect plan as the team is all set to face the women’s team in one T20I and five ODIs. She thinks playing against the big teams is going to prove crucial as it is a perfect dose before the big events.
The World Cup runners-up captain from 2017 thinks the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) experience has improved the team as it offers good batting options. The lower middle-order will be a crucial area where the team can have an advantage. The team has matured enough from 2017 and the mix of youth and experience will be helpful for the team.
The soon to be 39-year-old (December 3) also spoke about the recent partnership brand sponsorship between KFC and India Diamond Cricket Academy (IDCA). She thinks it will be a great initiative as the team would get the required financial aid. This would encourage many youngsters to join the game. There will be heavy expectations from the team as India will eye their maiden World Cup trophy.
