Harmanpreet Kaur was undoubtedly the biggest star for the Indian women’s cricket team during the recent World Cup. Along with captain Mithali Raj, the explosive batter answered the media during a brief interaction.
Question: You had said before the tournament that you would love to tell your story too but people aren’t interested. What do you say now?
Harmanpreet: People recognise you and follow you only when you do well and that’s what has happened here also. We have not been doing well for the past 2-3 editions in the World Cup, so it feels good to reach the final.
Do you see yourself continuing as captain at the next World Cup?
Mithali: As a player, everyone wants to have a long career but as long as I am fit and confident and in form I would like to play. The next ODI World Cup is in 2021. Personally I feel I still have 2-3 years to serve the team.
You have played only 10 Tests in your 18-year long career. Do you think there should be more Test matches?
Mithali: Test match is the ultimate test for every cricketer because it tests every aspect of a player — temperament, skills or endurance — but with all the boards wanting to promote women’s cricket more and more, T20 and ODIs are the ideal formats to do that.
Who do you see as you long-term successor?
Mithali: I don’t know! But this bunch of players has the ability to take up that challenge whenever it is given to them.
Which was a bigger achievement — win against Pakistan or Australia in the semifinal?
Harmanpreet: Both games were important, both had to be won to reach the final. We were only taking it one match at a time during the World Cup and looking to win.
How did you feel when India lost quick wickets towards the end?
Mithali: Obviously, achha to nahi laga hoga (it wouldn’t have felt good) to be sitting outside when your batsmen are getting out in the middle. We did not allow them to win easily and that, for me, is a big achievement.
Comments
SHARE