Recently, former India Women captain Mithali Raj offered her thoughts on how the Women in Blue may win the Women’s World Cup trophy. Later this year, on September 30, the massive event is set to begin.
In order to win high-stakes matches, Mithali Raj believed India should take advantage of crucial play moments. The former top-order batsman talked about the impact that would be caused if the Indian team were to win the championship this time.
“I think (India) needs to seize those small moments during the big games, that’s where the balance (is) of the teams which are in contention. They try and use more of those moments and try to shift the momentum to their side and India need to seize those moment,” stated Mithali, while speaking to ICC Digital.
“I think it would be huge. I mean, that is something that all the players, whoever picks up the bat, whoever wants to represent the country would want to win the World Cup because so far India hasn’t. Yes, we’ve come close twice (2005 and 2017), but we haven’t got our hands on the Cup. It would be great to win a World Cup at home because that’s a very different stage altogether and giving all of us an opportunity to see that.”
Mithali Raj
She also disclosed that, given her strong showings on the most recent England tour, Kranti Goud would be the player to keep an eye on. Goud’s bowling ability impressed everyone during her debut series against England Women. Similarly, Goud expects the former Indian captain to perform well in the prestigious international competition.
“I was quite impressed with Kranti Goud in England with her raw talent. She has played the WPL, (Women’s Premier League) but she does not really have that much experience. But the grit that she gets as a seamer trying to keep pegging in and getting wickets (is impressive) and she picked up a six-wicket haul (in England) as well so I would love to see her in the World Cup playing at home.”
Mithali Raj
The Women’s World Cup has never been won by Indian women. In 2005 and 2017, they came the closest to winning the trophy. They placed second in both of these installments. The Women in Blue would undoubtedly like to raise their first trophy to cheer up the home audience, especially since the next edition is being played in their own nation.
