'She's the best-ever batter for India' - Shantha Rangaswamy feels criticizing Mithali Raj for strike rate is uncalled for

Former captain Shantha Rangaswamy feels that Mithali Raj need not be criticised for her low strike rate given the kind of form she has been in for India over the years, including his recent performance against Australia in the three ODIs, which India lost 2-1.

“She is the best-ever batter for India and she is still the best. She knows how to change gears very well and the strike rate doesn’t matter if wickets are falling at the other end. She played well in the UK and in this series too,” Rangaswamy was quoted as saying by mykhel.com.

“Even Jhulan was brilliant against Australia. Goes to show age is just a number with these two still playing well (at 38 years of age).”

A member of BCCI’s Apex Council, Rangaswamy also lauded India for challenging Australia in their backyard and snapping their staggering 26-ODI winning streak by clinching the final encounter of the series. Notably, India came close to winning the second ODI, too, only to be denied due to a no-ball in the end that led Australia to chase the target successfully.

“It was remarkable as they fought hard against the best team in the world. India should have won the second ODI too but it was a good game nonetheless,” said Rangaswamy

Notably, the 38-year-old Mithali Raj notched up her fifth consecutive half-century in the series opener, though her efforts went in vain.

Shafali Verma needs to find other ways to score: Shantha Rangaswamy

Questioning the selection of Harmanpreet Kaur, who missed out on participating due to injuries. “She had come from the hundred injured, before that she got injured during the South Africa series at home. If she is prone to injuries, then she should avoid playing overseas leagues and prioritise playing for India. She is an impact player and the team needs her,” said Rangaswamy.

“The BCCI can step in and stop players from playing in leagues ahead of important tours like Australia,” she said. She said she expects more consistency from openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana whereas Richa Ghosh needs to polish her wicket-keeping skills after good batting performances.

“Yastika Bhatia impressed in her debut series and should be persisted with. Shafali needs to find other ways to score, the bowlers will not pitch it up to her often now. The bowlers now know what to bowl to her,” she said.

“Deepti is a better option in Tests as she has a more compact game. Sneh has done really well since her comeback and could be the leading spin all-rounder in ODIs,” she added.