Mithali Raj picks her successors in the Indian team

The Indian Women’s cricket team, led by skipper Mithali Raj had an impressive outing in the recently concluded Women’s World Cup. Mithali on Thursday has named her deputy for the future. The skipper named star batswoman Harmanpreet Kaur, youngsters Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma as successors when she decides to quit the game. However, the 34-year-old has admitted that she still has another couple of years of cricket left in her.

Mithali led the Indian eves to the final of the championship before being eclipsed by hosts England in the summit clash at Lord’s. With the win at Lord’s, England won their fourth World Cup trophy, and in the process, destroyed their maiden chance to win a World Cup. Dubbed as the dark horses in the tournament, the journey of the Indian Women in the quadrennial event was remarkable.

Focus on WT20

From having to play the World Cup qualifiers earlier this year to reach the finals of the event was a commendable feat. A team which was barely recognized until a month ago went on to create many records in England. Mithali also added that the team’s next focus is on the ICC Women’s World T20 to be held in the West Indies next year.

The Indian skipper, who has played just 10 Tests in her 18-year international career also emphasized the importance of playing the traditional format of the game and termed it as an “ultimate test” for any cricketer.

Speaking about her future, Raj said, “As a player, you want to continue but it all boils down to fitness and form. No one knows what happens in the next four years as the next 50-over World Cup is in 2021.”

“But the focus now is on preparing for the ICC World T20 next year. I still feel that I have 2-3 years to serve the team and for this country.”