“I was quite disappointed that I couldn’t play” – Mithali Raj recalls India’s semi-final match against England in 2018

Indian Women’s ODI Team Captain, Mithali Raj has recalled the uncertain time when she was dropped from the playing eleven before India’s semi-final match against England in the 2018 Women’s World T20. Further, she also lashed out at the then head coach Ramesh Powar and COA’s Diana Edulji for implying bias.

Raj on Star Sports 1 Telugu show ‘Girl Power – Sarileru Manakevaru’, said that she was extremely disappointed on missing out. However, as per her, such scenarios have occurred to several other cricketers.

“Honestly, I was quite disappointed that I couldn’t play. But it is something that has happened with every player. I am not the first person with whom this has happened. It is about the team composition and maybe captain and coach felt that they had a better player to feed into the eleven.” Raj said.

“But I always had hopes that if we win that match, I may have the chance in final, I will be able to contribute. We have a better chance to win the Cup. That was my intention of reaching out to the players in the huddle to pep them up, ‘give your best you, might not get such chances time and again.” she stated.

Also read: “Didn’t know I was in the list”, Mithali Raj on ‘Makers India Women’s Pioneer List

Mithali Raj on actress Tapsee Pannu

Keeping in mind Raj’s tremendous numbers at the highest level, a biopic, starring Taapsee Pannu, is set to hit the cinema halls. Mithali said that she will be training the Bollywood actress some cover drives. Raj is currently the leading run-scorer in Women’s ODIs.

“She is very lively, talkative and she has the spunk. I said, ‘Give me some time, let me get comfortable, I will help you out. Acting is your profession. It will come by naturally. What you have to learn is the cover drive. People will relate your cover drive with my cover drive. So, that is something you have to work hard.” Mithali added.