Mithali Raj on Her Retirement: “I Don’t Make Decisions Based on Emotion”

Mithali Raj, the stalwart of India’s Women Cricket, announced her retirement from the Twenty20 game on Tuesday. However, she believes the turning point for Women’s Cricket in India was to come under the Cricket Control Board in India (BCCI) in 2006. As they were provided lots of facilities which made things better. Alongside this, they started getting more international games and series. Even they got the contracts that gave them monetary security and helped them to focus on the game.

The 36-year-old, who played 89 T20Is, scoring 2,364 runs, was the first Indian to reach the 2,000-run mark in T20Is. However, she doesn’t see herself playing in the upcoming ICC World T20 in 2020. Her main focus is on the ICC World Cup in 2021. However, she took the decision earlier this year, during the series against New Zealand.

“This decision was made in January during the tour of New Zealand. I had told coach WV Raman and the president of selectors about my decision. The captain knew it too. All people who were required to inform about my decision were informed. The 2021 World Cup would definitely be my swan song. I’m eager to prepare for the World Cup,” Mithali Raj said.

However, a rift between her then coach Ramesh Powar and Mithali Raj came into the limelight last year during the ICC World T20 when the team management decided to sit her out in the crucial semi-final. India lost the game and the controversies took place. Although, she said that the incident didn’t affect her decision.

“Well, the consequences with coach Ramesh Powar had no impact on my decision. I don’t make decisions based on emotion, because it is my career and I would like to be more practical when it comes to the race. Fallout with Powar does not have any role to play,” said Mithali Raj, the highest run-getter in ODI of Women’s Cricket.

She, however, made herself available for the T20 Leagues of India, whenever it happens. She believes that IPL type Women’s T20 league has certainly helped the players.

“Well, not necessarily in the other leagues, but yes, I look forward to the Women’s IPL because it is our own league and I would love to be part of it,” she added.