Indian women’s ODI team skipper Mithali Raj believes the upcoming Sri Lanka tour is going to important to set the team prior to the 2018 ICC Women’s World T20 in West Indies that has been scheduled to be played from 9 to 24 November 2018.

Before the World T20 competition, Indian women’s cricket team will tour in Sri Lanka where they will play three-match ODI series and five-match T20I series, starting from September 11. The experienced cricketer and ODI skipper Mithali Raj believes the Sri Lanka tour is important prior to the important tournament to reshape the team along with the new coach Ramesh Power.

Raj told The Hindu, “It is important to regroup and get back the confidence again as the T20 World Cup is scheduled in November. In this context, the Sri Lanka series is very important.

“With the new coach himself being a spinner, I am sure his experience will help our tweakers as we depend heavily on them in all formats.

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“The Sri Lanka series will also be important in terms of knowing where we stand, what is the composition we should have, and accordingly, use these matches to prepare for the World Cup.”

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While the experienced pacer Jhulan Goswami has recently decided to retire from the T20 cricket, Raj feels she still can contribute well for the team. Raj wants to extend her career as much as possible.

The Indian women’s ODI skipper said, “I would like to continue as long as I am fit and able to contribute to the team. I don’t know really what keeps me going. But, it is obvious that the team needs to be settled.

“That way, I feel we should not struggle in ODIs. It takes time to find the right combination which can last longer. Probably, till that time I will hold on.”