Back in 1999, 16-year-old Mithali Raj got to wear her first ever Indian jersey and even after two decades, nothing much has changed as she surpassed the coveted milestone of 200 ODIs and that is just “is just a number” for her. Mithali made her ODI debut against England in Milton Keynes in January 1999 and on Friday became the first woman to play in 200 matches in the ODIs. Not to forget, she is the highest run-scorer in the world with 6622 runs.
After registering a 2-1 series win on New Zealand soil, the Indian skipper said, “200 is just a number for me but it feels nice to come so far. I have seen different stages of (transformation) in women’s cricket across the globe since I made by debut way back in 1999 under IWCC (International Women’s Cricket Council). Coming under ICC, we could see the difference. I am just happy to represent the country for so long.”
For Mithali, it is a surreal feeling that she could continue for so long at the top level.
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She further added, “When I started, I didn’t think that I will come so far. Initially, my aim was to only wear the India colours, be one of the core members of the team but never did I think that I will continue to play for so long.”
Mithali has had her share of ups and downs including the very recent public difference of opinion with CoA member Diana Edulji, whom she accused was trying to finish her career along with former coach Ramesh Powar.
According to Mithali, her only endeavour has been to suit her game as per team’s needs.
Raj explained, “When you have a long career, you have different elements and reasoning that comes into factor. But one thing has been to constantly thrive and change my game to suit different conditions, different areas of my game and trying to keep up with the international standards. I have seen joys, highs and lows — when you have a long career.”
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On the areas that requires improvement, Mithali wants a seam bowling all-rounder in the side.
The Indian skipper explained, “When spinners are bowling, they need more support from fast bowlers. Obvioiusly, Jhulan (Goswami) is very experienced but may be we need an all-rounder in the playing XI who can be useful on these tracks, so on a given day if spinners are not doing well, may be the all-rounder can do the job.”
