Big Change Post Women’s World Cup, Says Mithali Raj

India skipper Mithali Raj believed Women's World Cup 2017 brought a big change in women's cricket in India.

India Women’s team returned home after playing a remarkable World Cup in England. India had lost the final to hosts England by nine runs at the Mecca of cricket Lord’s. It was a disappointing moment for Indian women. But, they did a commendable job in England throughout the tournament. Under Mithali Raj’s captaincy, India defeated England, West Indies, Pakistan, New Zealand and Australia respectively.

However, after losing the final disappointed team didn’t think they would be given a grand reception at home. India celebrated her women’s achievement in England.

Coming back home from England skipper Mithali Raj said , “it was a different moment for us before the beginning of the World Cup as nobody considered them as a title contender. In fact, there was no big fan following. However, the situation has changed following their mind blowing performance.  it was a great feeling to see fans came to watch their game.” Also read: Anya Shrubsole Adjudged Player of The Match For Leading England to World Cup Victory

“I believe that this World Cup brought big change to Indian women cricket and from now everyone will take women’s cricket seriously,” she added while talking to Zee News.

She also said, “People must know women work as hard as men cricketers to represent the national team.”

On the other hand, Harmanpreet Kaur, who scored a sensational 171 off 115 against Australia in the semifinal, which ensured India the World Cup final berth after 17 years, recollected the memories of World Cup. India last played a World Cup final in 2005 where they lost to Australia in Centurion. Also read: Mithali Raj Wants Either Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma as Successors

Kaur, who became an overnight heroine, talking about her match winning knock against Australia said, “I was waiting for an innings like this, but I was not getting a chance to play an innings like this.” She further added, “I had convinced myself that I want to play the final, don’t want to finish my World campaign in the semifinal.”

Talking about India’s defeat to England by nine runs, the Punjab woman said, “We have done really well throughout the match, except the last five overs, otherwise we were on top.”

India in the last five overs lost six wickets for 28 runs. It was England pace woman Anya Shrubsole, who sparked a collapse taking five wickets in just 19 balls.

Meanwhile, India opener Punam Raut, who scored fighting 86 in the final at the Lord’s, recollected her journey as a cricketer. She credited her parents for helping her to fulfill the dream.