Mithali Raj adding 'new dimensions' to batting ahead of 2022 World Cup

India skipper Mithali Raj said she is trying to add “new dimensions” to her batting after guiding India to a four-wicket win over England in the 3rd ODI.

“The way things have gone it wasn’t an easy journey. It had its trials and challenges. I always believed that trials have a purpose,” she said after the cricket match.

“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 runs have never sort of dried up.

“I am still very passionate to go out there, be there in the middle and win games for India. I know there is still room for improvements in terms of my batting and that is something I am working on. There are certain dimensions I would like to add to my batting,” she said at the virtual post-match press conference.

Mitahli, who retired from T20Is in 2019, has already hinted that the 2022 Women’s ODI World Cup will be her swansong.

The 38-year-old said she is currently enjoying the role of a mentor while fulfilling her responsibility in the team’s batting unit.

“Batting has always been a role play for me in the team, the sort of role that’s assigned to me over the years. Taking the responsibility of the batting unit and play throughout.

“Chasing gives me a better picture of building an innings along with other batters in the middle. I am able to control the game. That really worked for me and also having some young girls in the team. It helps to guide them when you are in the middle.

“Trying to help them also to understand the situation and how to play in these conditions. The entire batting unit revolves around me. That’s the job that is given to me by the coach and team management.”

Mithali Raj backs team to come good

Raj heaped praise on all-rounder Sneh Rana, with whom she shared a valuable 50-run stand for the seventh wicket. Raj said she has a bright future.

“Need to give crdeit to Sneh Rana because that partnership was very crucial. Definitely, at that slot we have always looked for somebody who have the shots to clear the field, strong shots all around. And it helps to have a player who can also bowl.

“So its good to have her in the side and she is definitely showed that she has the character to become a good player. In modern cricket, all-rounders play a very important role in composition of the team.”

Mithali Raj also expects T20 skipper Harmanpreet Kaur to hit form soon. “It does happen with any player,” Mithali said of Kaur’s lean patch.

“Sometimes you’re just not in form. But as a team and as a unit we back players who have been match-winners. We also know that single-handedly she has won games for us with her innings. This time around she needs the support of the team to back her.”

She also backed young Jemmimah Rodrigues to get back to form.

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

“When a player goes through bad form, as (fellow) players, seniors, and team management we can give her the confidence and the backing, but it boils down to the player herself to have that belief to come out of the (bad) form.”