Hunger for runs is still there, says Mithali Raj

Worcester: India skipper Mithali Raj’s hunger for runs remains the same as it was 22 years ago and she is trying to add “new dimensions” to her batting for a one last hurrah at next year’s ODI World Cup in New Zealand.

Mithali on Saturday became the highest run-getter in women’s cricket across all formats while guiding India to a consolation four-wicket win over England in the third and final ODI here. She made unbeaten 75 off 86 balls to take the visitors home.

“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 about her journey that started in Milton Keynes against Ireland in 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 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 has retired from T20 cricket in 2019, has already hinted that the 2022 Women’s ODI World Cup, to be held in New Zealand from March 4 to April 3, will be her swansong.

With vast experience on her back, the 38-year-old right-hander 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.”

Raj heaped praise on all-rounder Sneh Rana, with whom she shared a valuable 50-run stand for the seventh wicket on Saturday, and 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 it is 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.”