Internet Desk: The Indian women’s cricket team skipper Mithali Raj thinks that reaching the final of the recently concluded ICC Women’s World Cup was just the start of good times for women’s cricket in India. Skipper Mithali Raj and team returned to Mumbai today where they met with the press. The women outclassed the defending champions in the semi-final, but faced a narrow defeat by nine runs against the hosts England in the final in a match where they were firm favourites to clinch the title at one stage.
“It is just the beginning of good times for women’s cricket,” Mithali said.
The women’s cricketer are trending right now in the country among the cricket maniacs for last two weeks.
“The win over England in the first match was a big boost for the team,” she added.
Asked whether they have faced any criticism after their narrow loss against the hosts, Mithali was dismissive.
“I always listen to myself, team and the staff, not critics,” was her answer.
On being questioned about if there should be a tournament like the Indian Premier League for the women in India, Mithali replied that the board will take the final call regarding this matter.
“If something like this is started in India, it will help players get exposure but it’s up to the BCCI,” she said.
India started the tournament in style by beating England and then they registered three more wins on a trot before they lost two back to back matches against defending champions Australia and South Africa.
In the last round robin match they had to beat New Zealand to qualify for the semis and they did that and thrashed Australia in the semi-finals too.
“I can proudly say that I have led the team well,” Mithali said, summing up her own tournament. “The captain is what the team is.”