Keeping Things Simple Is Hardest: Raj

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    • Publish Date: Jul 25 2017 11:05AM
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    • Updated Date: Jul 25 2017 11:05AM
Keeping Things Simple Is Hardest: Raj

Indian women's team captain Mithali Raj knows she will never be able to lay her hands on a World Cup trophy. It was a trophy that seemed within her grasp until the lower-order Indian batting imploded in spectacular fashion against England in the final at Lord's on Sunday. The 34-year-old did well to keep her emotions in check at the post-match presentation ceremony but admits that she broke down during the team meeting after the final. A day after the heartbreaking loss, the Indian captain shares the disappointments and joys of a memorable World Cup campaign with TOI.


Q Have you recovered from that heartbreaking loss?
No, it's not even 24 hours. The Cup was ours for the taking but we couldn't complete that final step. It will take a while for me to make peace with it. Maybe, it was not written in our destiny.


Q How did you manage to lose from a winning position?
If I knew the answer to that I would probably be speaking to you in a much better frame of mind. After the loss of two early wickets, we were cruising with two partnerships that Punam (Raut) built with Harman (Harmanpreet Kaur) and Veda (Krishnamurthy). But then we lost our way. I had my hopes till Shikha (Pandey) got run out. I think it was the inexperience of playing on such a big stage on such a big occasion. Cricket experts always talk about keeping things simple. But what I have figured out in my long career is that the hardest thing to do in a crisis is to keep things simple. We made mistakes but I won't blame anyone.


Q So you feel a sports psychologist or a mental conditioning coach will help...
Certainly. Things are better for women's cricket in terms of facilities since BCCI took us under their wing in 2007. We had sports psychologists taking classes for us during camps. But what we need is a sports psychologist who can be with the team throughout. I am sure it's something that can be looked at and it would be of immense help to the girls.


Q Your run-out was quite bizarre. What happened?
I saw some weird stuff written about my run out on social media. Actually, what happened was my spike got stuck on the pitch. Punam called me for a run and I responded. Before I reached the half way, this thing (spike getting stuck) happened and I don't think the TV cameras captured it. I couldn't push myself hard and couldn't even make an effort to dive. I was helpless. I was gutted.


Q You had said before leaving for England that winning the tournament would be like a 'revolution'. Do you think you have managed to change people's perception?
That's what I am most happy about. People have seen the quality of the games and have started appreciating us. Women's cricket is now being seen in a different light. It's just not just cricket lovers but even random people are acknowledging us now. Broadcast of women's matches has made a huge difference. People are talking about us on social media. I have been playing for over 20 years now but I have never experienced such a big following.


Q Is this team better equipped to win the World Cup in four years' time?
I would think so. You learn from failures and even Sunday's defeat is a huge learning curve. This team is only going to get better from now on. We have experienced campaigners like Harmanpreet, Veda, Punam and they should see to it that they pass on the experience to younger girls. It's their duty to mould the youngsters after Jhulan and I leave the stage. I really like the way Harman has shaped up. She is showing the responsibility of carrying the team along. I think the experience of playing BBL in Australia was of immense help to her. Something on the lines of an IPL for women cricketers in India would be beneficial.

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Comments

Ayushi Pandey LILAVATI BAI PODAR (A)-SCRUZ

Mithali Raj deserved the World Cup totally. Her team has the complete calibre and strength to write new records. She''s right in saying that they just a stone''s throw away from becoming World Champions but the 9 runs cost them a price that could not be repaid. Nevertheless, these things happen and one must not get intimidated by the vicissitudes of life. Long live Indian cricket! Three cheers for these inspiring women!

Anmol Srivastava the maurya school

indian womens were so close in the final it was a easy victory for india but they would not able to chase the last nine runs they maybe get panic at last but they will perform well

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