‘Mithali Raj remains best batter of India, strike-rate criticism is uncalled for’

Former captain Shantha Rangaswamy says fixed criticism of Mithali Raj’s strike-rate is uncalled for since she stays the perfect batter within the Indian girls’s cricket group.
Shantha, additionally a member of BCCI’s Apex Council, lauded India’s efficiency within the ODI collection in Australia the place they misplaced 1-2 however fought exhausting in opposition to a champion time.
With the win within the third ODI, India additionally snapped Australia’s file 26-match wining streak.
“She is the best ever batter for India and she is still the best. She knows how to change gears very well and strike-rate doesn’t matter if wickets are falling at the other end. She played well in the UK and in this series too,” Shantha informed PTI.
“Even Jhulan was brilliant against Australia. Goes to show age is just a number with these two still playing well (at 38 years of age).”
Mithali scored a fifth consecutive half-century within the collection opener however India went on to lose the sport.
On the group’s efficiency in ODIs, Shantha stated: “It was remarkable as they fought hard against the best team in the world. India should have won the second ODI too but it was a good game nonetheless.”
For Shantha, fielding wants a whole lot of enchancment and gamers should be extra constant. She additionally questioned T20 skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s health as thumb damage dominated out her of the collection.
“She had come from the hundred injured, before that she got injured during the South Africa series at home. If she is prone to injuries, then she should avoid playing overseas leagues and prioritise playing for India. She is an impact player and team needs her,” stated Shantha.
“The BCCI can step in and stop players from playing in leagues ahead of important tours like Australia,” she stated.
The former India captain additionally expects extra consistency from openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana.
She additionally feels Richa Ghosh must work a whole lot of her wicket-keeping although she has come up properly as a batter within the ODIs.
“Yastika Bhatia impressed in her debut series and should be persisted with. Shafali needs to find other ways to score, the bowlers will not pitch it up to her often now. The bowlers now know what to bowl to her,” she stated.
Sneh Rana has come up properly as an all-rounder which places stress on Deepti Sharma.
“Deepti is a better option in Tests as she has a more compact game. Sneh has done really well since her comeback and could be the leading spin all-rounder in ODIs,” Shantha added.