Mithali Raj credits mix of youth & experience in Railways’ record 12th title win

The Railways Women’s team skipper Mithali Raj feels that it has been the great mix of youth and experience and players latching on the opportunities provided that made the team champions of the Senior Women’s ODI Trophy, the premium Women’s tournament in the country.

Talking to Sports Today, Raj said, “It’s an incredible feat to win the domestic title.” She went on to praise the youngsters and players who grabbed the opportunities provided to them with both hands. “We had inculcated this feeling in all the squad members that if the opportunity is provided to any player, she must rise to the occasion. Meghana Singh, the fast bowler is the best example of that. She played in place of injured Arundhati [Reddy] and utilised it to her best.”

Railways defeated first-time finalists Jharkhand by seven wickets at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium to lift their 12th title in 14 seasons of the tournament. Meghna swung the ball brilliantly and troubled the batters with her pace and bounce, eventually getting rid of two of the Jharkhand top three dealing a heavy blow to their chances.

Complimenting the vice-captain Sneh Rana, who led the team to the knockouts in Mithali’s absence was also praised by the veteran 38-year-old. “She got 18 wickets in eight games as an off-spinner and was more than handy with the bat. She led superbly as well.”

This was the first title in two years for Railways after they were defeated in the Semi-Finals of the 2018-19 edition of the same tournament by the eventual winners Bengal. Looking back at that and learning from it, the Indian Women’s ODI skipper said, “When we lost to Bengal, we sat down, I and the coach and management decided to not only pick the best XI but also the best 15 or 20 due to pandemic.”

“This team has the hunger in it and is ready to chase down 250 as well as post in excess of 250 while batting first, keeping in themselves the confidence to achieve the best,” added the Andhra born.

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