Focus on 2021 World Cup as Mithali Raj resumes training in Hyderabad

India ODI skipper Mithali Raj is finally back at the nets at the St. John’s Coaching Foundation in Hyderabad under the mentorship of her coach RSR Murthy with her best friend and former international cricketer Nooshin Al Khadeer in company after a three-month break due to COVID-19 pandemic.



“I struggled a lot during lockdown even though it helped me to work on my fitness, keeping me stronger by working on small things which otherwise I couldn’t have spent enough time during a busy season,” Mithali was quoted as saying to Sportstar on Monday (June 22).



“There is some freshness to the game too after coming back from the long break though the buzz around is missing in this Academy as there is no one around. But, I am trying to keep an eye on the skills aspect during practice though I am not training every day maybe twice a week,” the 37-year-old Mithali said.



“When I resumed training, I thought my bat would be somewhere and the feet somewhere else. But, surprisingly, my body kept up the momentum and I was surprised by the way I was batting in the nets. Perhaps, it had something to do with the way I kept myself fit. There is a lot of clarity to plan my training sessions,” she explained. “I don’t think I am struggling in terms of my strength and ability. Maybe, on the endurance front, I might be lagging a bit behind. But, I can always work on that,” added Mithali.



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The skipper also said that it is the best way to get back into groove keeping the England series scheduled for September in mind. “So, when I reflect on resuming training, I never felt that I was coming back after such a long lay-off. Feeling 70 per cent okay which is better than to be about 20 per cent ready for the game,” she said.



“Hoping the scheduled England series is on this September if there is the desired improvement on the COVID-19 front. So, I think this is the best way to get back into the groove ahead of a likely preparatory camp too,” added Mithali, who will be playing record sixth World Cup when the mega event unfolds in New Zealand in February next year.



Commenting on Indian women’s cricket, Mithali is feeling lot free now as there are quite a few batters in the side capable of taking responsibility. “Definitely, it is not like as it was in 2017 World Cup when I had to shoulder the complete responsibility,” she said. “The BCCI is giving the kind of fillip needed to women’s cricket by organising tours for the India-A and the Emerging Players series as it is doing in men’s cricket. There are a lot more opportunities now.”



“In all probability, we will be forced to play in front of empty o near-empty stands. But, I am sure the ICC will ensure that the women’s cricket matches will be telecast live to keep the audience engaged to the sport,” she concluded.