World Cup success just a gateway to the glorious times ahead, says Mithali Raj

Indian Women’s team skipper Mithali Raj indicated that India’s journey to the Women’s World Cup final is just the beginning of the glorious times ahead. Addressing the journalist in an interview, Raj said that the team has received a gigantic response to their success in the tournament. Mithali Raj was also in a similar situation when the team qualified for the finals in 2205. But according to the southpaw, this is the first time she is coming across a celebration of this magnitude.

“It is quite overwhelming to see the response. It is the first time for all of us. I did face exactly similar situation but of a lot lesser magnitude in 2005. This is just the beginning for good times ahead.” said the captain.

Mithali Raj stated that the Indian Women’s team was lacking this kind of a support earlier but is happy that the team finally got what they deserved. She also thanked the BCCI for taking women’s cricket seriously and backing them in all aspects.

“I think indian women’s team always deserved it but now with broadcasting and BCCI promotion, it has made a huge difference to women’s cricket.” added Mithali Raj.

Pushing the idea of an Indian Premier League for women, the 34-year-old said that this is the right time for something like that. She pointed out that every team in the circuit now has quality players and a similar league for Women will do a lot of good to Women’s cricket.

“If you would have asked me a couple of years back if it was time for women’s IPL, I might not have agreed. But after the World Cup and the way women cricketers have responded, every team has had a centurion in their side. Every country has improved their standards. It will also help domestic players who will be exposed to the international environment.” claimed Mithali.

According to the Mithali Raj who scored a staggering 409 in the tournament playing for the nation is of the highest value. “Doing well in the world cup always has its importance. No matter what state you represent in India, playing for the country is most satisfying.”

“We were obviously preparing for the qualifiers for the tournament. We had quadrangle series which was also a preparation for the world cup. Campaigning was a very big boost for the girls which made them realise that they were capable of stuff. It is important to make comebacks if you want to be in the top four and the girls have shown that,” she said.

On being selected as the captain of the ICC WWC XI:

Mithali Raj was not only included in the ICC Women’s World Cup XI, but she was also given the honour of the captain. Speaking about the same, Raj said “It is not an easy job to lead a side esp in the final of such a huge tournament – there are bound to be critics and constructive criticism is always welcome. We always introspect after the game and I see where I can do better as a captain. If I start listening to everyone’s opinions, mine own won’t work. It is always better to listen to yourself and the team. I have been in sync with the coach,”.