Mithali Raj Speaks on criticism of his strike rate

Mithali Raj Speaks on criticism of his strike rate.

Shortly after letting her bat do the talking amid criticism of her hit rate, the record-breaking Indian women’s team captain Mithali Raj responded to her detractors, saying “I don’t seek validation from the people” after play so long.

Mithali became the top runner-up in women’s cricket across all formats on Saturday as she led India to a four-wicket win over England in the third and final ODI here.

When the discussion turned to criticism of his hit rate at the post-game press conference, he responded firmly.

“I read that the criticisms refer to my strike rate, but as I have also said before, I do not seek validation from people. I have played for a long time and I know that I have a certain responsibility in the team, “said Mithali at the virtual press conference.

He made an undefeated 75 with 86 balls.

“I am not looking to please people. I am here to play the role assigned to me by the leadership of the team. When you are chasing a target, you choose your bowlers, you choose your length, you choose the areas.

“Because I have good flow, I need to make the best use of myself in the middle and the whole batting unit revolves around me,” Mithali said.

The ODI boss said he only follows the instructions of the team’s management.

“That is the job that the coach has given me and I hope not to get bogged down because at some point I know that the first order is already on the bench and it was important for me to understand the situation and how I can maneuver and try to close the game as much as possible with the hitters that are to come ”.

Mithali beat former England hitter Charlotte Edwards’ record for most runs when she topped 10,273.

Despite playing international cricket for more than two decades, Mithali said his hunger for racing remains the same as he looks to add “new dimensions” to his hitting.

“As things have been, it has not been an easy journey. He had his trials and challenges. I always believed that trials have a purpose, ”he said of his journey that began in Milton Keynes against Ireland on June 26, 1999.

“There were times when I wanted to give up for various reasons, but something kept me going and here I am, 22 years of international cricket, but the hunger for racing has never dried up.

“I am still passionate about going out, being in the middle, and winning games for India. I know there is still room to improve in terms of hitting and that’s something I’m working on … There are certain dimensions that I would like to add to my hitting … ”he said.

Mithali, who retired from T20 cricket in 2019, has already hinted that next year’s ODI World Cup, to be held in New Zealand from March 4 to April 3, could be his last hurray.

“The chase gives me a better idea of ​​how to build an inning along with other hitters in the middle. I can control the game. That really worked for me and also having some young girls on the team helps guide them when you’re in the middle. ”

Mithali praised off-roader Sneh Rana, with whom she shared a valuable 50-race position for seventh on Saturday, and said she has a bright future.

“I need to give credit to Sneh Rana because that partnership was very crucial. Definitely, in that slot, we have always looked for someone who has the shots to clear the field, strong shots everywhere and it helps to have a player who can also shoot.

He hopes his aide and T20 captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, get into shape soon.

“It happens with any player,” Mithali said of Kaur’s lean patch.

“Sometimes you are just not in shape. But as a team and as a unit, we support the players who have won matches. We also know that she alone has won us games with her tickets. This time she needs the support of the team behind her. ”

He also supported young Jemmimah Rodrigues to get back in shape.

“A young player, obviously, she (Rodrigues) will take some time. It’s just a matter of experience and exposure for players like her.

“When a player goes through a bad state of form, as (fellow) players, seniors and team management we can give her confidence and support, but it comes down to the player herself having that belief of getting out of (bad) form. . ”

Mithali said victory in the third ODI bodes well for the team entering the three-game T20 series, which begins July 9.

“Yeah, it’s a confidence booster because that’s what I told the girls, I told them, we’re still on the show. Winning a game like this puts pressure on them. As we enter the T20s, the entire unit must be confident. ”