'I don't look to please people' - Mithali Raj shuts down criticism surrounding her strike rate

Mithali Raj continues to achieve newer horizons in her unparalleled international career. During the third ODI between England and India, the batting legend went past Charlotte Edwards’ tally of most runs in Women’s international matches.

Raj currently has 10337 runs in Women’s international cricket. And, the right-handed batting colossus has come out and emphatically stated that she does not seek validation from people regarding her strike rate. Adding that she has been on the road for a long time in international cricket, Raj opined that she will not look to please people.

Raj further stated that she will play the role that has been assigned to her by the team management and added that a batter will pick and target particular bowlers and areas in a run chase. The 38-year-old concluded by stating that the Indian batting lineup revolves around her.

“I do read that the criticism is about my strike rate, but as I have said earlier also, I don’t seek validation from people. I’ve played for a long time and I know that I have a certain responsibility in the team. I don’t look to please people.

“I’m here to play the role that is assigned to me by the team management. When you’re chasing a target you pick your bowlers, you pick your length, you pick the areas. Because I’m in a good flow, I need to make the best use of me in the middle and the entire batting unit revolves around me,” said Raj as quoted by The Hindustan Times.

Mithali Raj plays a scintillating knock to help India beat England in the third ODI

In the third ODI between the England Women and the Indian Women that took place at Worcester, Mithali Raj scored a sedate 75* off 86 deliveries to steer the Indian side to a four-wicket victory over the opposition. Raj’s innings was studded with 8 fours.

The England Women batted first and were bowled out for a total of 219. Deepti Sharma was the star performer for the Mithali Raj-led Indian side with the ball and scalped 3 wickets. Nat Sciver was the top scorer for the England side and scored 49 off 59 deliveries.

For India, apart from Mithali Raj, who scored a half-century, Smriti Mandhana also helped herself to a brisk 49 at the top of the order.

The Indian Women will next take on England in a three-match T20I series that will commence on 9th July 2021.