Women's World Cup 2022: The desire to win the trophy still drives me, says Mithali Raj
India Today
Speaking ahead of India's departure to New Zealand, ODI captain Mithali Raj said her energy is focussed on helping India do well in the New Zealand series and the World Cup, starting March 4.
India women's team ODI captain Mithali Raj said she hopes India can go the distance and end their long wait for a World Cup trophy at the Women's World Cup 2022, starting March 4 in New Zealand. Reflecting on her 23-year-long international career, Raj said she is hoping that she can lead India to World Cup glory, which would be a special feeling to achieve for the veteran cricketer.
Mithali Raj, speaking to the press ahead of the India women's team departure to New Zealand on Sunday, said she still recalls her first World Cup appearance fondly and that life has come a full circle for her as she prepares to lead India in New Zealand, which was also the venue of the first world event that she was part of.
Mithali Raj will lead India's 15-member squad at the World Cup in New Zealand. Before the premier 50-over tournament, India will play a T20I and 5 ODIs against New Zealand women in New Zealand between February 9 and 24.
The 39-year-old, who is set to feature in her 6th 50-over World Cup, added that the desire to win the coveted title still gives her the motivation to be the best version of herself. Notably, Mithali had led India to the final of the 2017 World Cup where the team lost to England.
"I think it's been a wonderful journey, not an easy one. There have been struggles too, but it's come a full circle. My first World Cup was in 2000 in New Zealand, so here I am flying to New Zealand for my 6th World Cup," Mithali said.
"In the 2000 World Cup, India played the semi-final and lost but this time, I am hoping India plays the final and win. Because winning a World Cup is always special for any cricketer, I am no different. That is something that has driven me from the time I played my first World Cup and it still drives me to win that World Cup for India," she added.
Mithali, meanwhile, said she will take a call on her career after the World Cup and that her energy is right now devoted to India's tour of New Zealand and the World Cup.
