Reacting on Mithali Raj’s sudden exclusion from the Indian women’s playing XI in the 2018 Women’s World T20 semi-final, the former Indian men’s captain Sourav Ganguly compared his exclusion from the national team.
Due to the massive batting collapse, India women lost against England women in the semi-final of 2018 WWT20. But most importantly, many Indian cricket experts were stunned on Mithali Raj’s exclusion from the playing XI during the semi-final. Raj was also dropped out from the playing XI in the last group stage game against Australia women. However, India already secured their semi-final spot before that Australia game but missing the semi-final was totally unexpected, especially when Raj was in-form as she has played two 50+ knocks in the last two games.
While many have criticised the Indian team managed for this decision, Indian women’s skipper Harmanpreet Kaur claimed that they have no regrets on that decision.
Also read: Harmanpreet Kaur feels proud on team’s performances in 2018 WWT20
Recently, the former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly was asked on this matter and he reacted on it by comparing his exclusion from the national team.
Ganguly said at the Tollygunge Club, “The best in the world are at times show the door. No! I have also sat out in the dugout after captaining India. When I saw Mithali Raj being dropped, I said ‘Welcome to the group’.
“Captains are asked to sit, so just do it. I have done it in Faisalabad. I didn’t play an ODI game for 15 months when I was probably the best performer in one-day cricket… It happens in life. The best in the world are at times shown the door.”
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While Ganguly hasn’t felt disappointed on Mithali’s exclusion, he further added that Mithali will get her opportunity soon.
Ganguly added, “You should always remember you’re best because you did something and there’s an opportunity again. So, I am not too disappointed seeing Mithali being asked to sit out. I have not been disappointed to see the reactions on the ground.
“But I am disappointed because India lost the semifinals because I thought they had the team to go the distance. It happens as they say there’s no guarantee in life. Do the best.”
