Mithali Raj hopeful of winning her 'last' World Cup

India ODI skipper Mithali Raj said she hopes India can finally convert their promise into a trophy by winning the 2021 Women's World Cup. Raj, who has already said that the tournament in New Zealand will be her last World Cup, hopes to be able to sign off with a win and further build on the momentum the women's game in India has gained.



"I also hope we win the World Cup, which will be my last," Raj, speaking at Salaam Cricket 2020, said on Saturday (June 13). "Women's cricket in India has improved a lot and has a bright future. But if we win the World Cup it will be a big boost for women's cricket in the country. I hope we go one step ahead in the 50-over World Cup this time."



Raj is the highest run-getter in ODIs with a tally of 6888 runs under her belt at an average of over 50. Over her 21-year international career so far, the right-hander has continued to raise the bar as a batter - claiming most records along the way. She has captained India in three ODI World Cups - 2005, 2013 and 2017 - leading them to the final on two occasions. However, through her stellar career, the one thing she has never laid her hands on, is a World Cup trophy.



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In recent times, India have enjoyed a successful run in ICC tournaments, sailing through the group stages with impressive performances, only to fall short in the final rounds. Twice in the last three World Cups (across formats) they have fallen short in tournament finals, losing the 2017 Women's World Cup final against England at Lord's by nine runs, before being demolished by Australia in the 2020 T20 World Cup final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground by 99 runs.



The team's inability to cope with pressure on the big stage is something Raj believes they will have to consciously work on.



"Skillwise we are not lacking at all, we have the best facilities and experts. We have hard-working players as well, in terms of fitness and fielding. In big matches, we need our mental set up to be strong. Skill is not the only factor in big games and tournaments, we also need to handle pressure in a composed way as a team," she said.



"What I have noticed in the last 2-3 ICC events is that we get nervous on the big stage. It is easily visible also. Our team enters the league stage with so much confidence but we need to work on being mentally stronger in the knockout games."



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"It's like a trend with the Indian team that we win the first two games and then lose the final in ICC events. We need to work on that."



"When we go to the World Cups, we do so well in the beginning, the expectations also skyrocket from there on but in the knockouts we are not able to prepare for that mentally. We don't lose overnight, it is more about keeping your mind strong and that is collectively as a team we need to find a way and work on," she concluded.



Echoing Raj's words, head coach WV Raman said the current team has the ability to win a big tournament, but need to learn to treat the final like 'another game.'



"They should forget they are playing the finals," he said at the event. "They need to treat it just like another game. They need to block outside noise. This comes with experience also."



"Age is not a factor in the Indian dressing room. Every player needs to contribute and perform their duties on the field. We don't differentiate based on age. The advantage in sports is that it is not about age. We all look towards playing to the best of their ability."