I am as hungry to score runs as I was 22 years ago: Mithali Raj

 abernews Worcester.  Indian women's team captain Mithali Raj says her hunger to score runs remains the same 22 years ago and she is loo...

 abernews Worcester.  Indian women's team captain Mithali Raj says her hunger to score runs remains the same 22 years ago and she is looking to take her batting to new heights ahead of the ODI World Cup in New Zealand next year.  Still working.  Mithali's unbeaten 75 off 89 balls helped India beat England by four wickets in the third and final ODI on Saturday.  During this innings, Mithali also became the highest run-scorer in all formats of women's cricket.

 Mithali, who made her international debut against Ireland on 26 June 1999 at Milton Cayenne, said, "The way things have progressed, this journey has not been easy.  It had its own trials and challenges.  I have always believed that exams have a purpose.  She said, "There came a time when due to various reasons I felt that it is enough now but there was something that I kept playing and now I am 22 years in international cricket but my hunger for runs is still not less.  have happened.

 He said in a virtual press conference, “I still have the same passion.  Winning matches for India by getting on the field.  As far as my batting is concerned, I think there is still room for improvement and I am working on that.  There are certain dimensions that I want to add to my batting.  Mithali had retired from T20 cricket in 2019 itself and she has already indicated that the Women's World Cup to be held in New Zealand from March 4 to April 3, 2022 will be her last tournament.  The 38-year-old is thoroughly enjoying her role in the batting line-up as well as guiding other players.

 He said, “Batting has always been the main role for me in the team.  A role that was handed to me years ago.  Handling the responsibility of the batting unit and grooming the innings.  Mithali said, "You have a better picture in front of you to build an innings with other batsmen chasing the target.  I am able to maintain control of the game.  This benefits me and the other young girls on the team.  When you are at the crease, it helps to propel the team forward.  Mithali also praised all-rounder Sneh Rana with whom she shared a crucial 50-run partnership for the seventh wicket.

 “It is important to give credit to Sneh Rana because that partnership was important.  Of course, we wanted a player at that position who could play long shots and bowl a few overs as well.  So it's good to have him in the team.  He showed that he has the passion to be a good player.  The role of an all-rounder is important in today's cricket.  Mithali hoped that Harmanpreet Kaur, the vice-captain and captain of the T20 team, will be back in form soon.  "It can happen to any player," he said.  Sometimes you are not in form but as a team you have to support the player who is the match winner.  We know that he has won matches for us on his own.  Right now he needs support from the team.  "