Mithali Raj, the India ODI skipper, says that the largely public feud she had with the former head coach Ramesh Powar was “the most difficult phase of her career”.
The veteran was dropped for the semi-final of the World T20 2018 against England in November, with India going on to lose the match. Raj then blamed Powar for her axing, saying she was treated unfairly by the coach.
The 36-year-old was a strong performer for India at the tournament, and was adjudged the Player of the Match on two occasions.
Will these events affect the team going forward? “I am not sure how things will be off the field, but as professional cricketers, who have been playing for so many years, each one of us understands what it takes to get the team together on the field and perform,” Raj insisted.
“Also, these things are secondary when you have a job on hand to represent the country at the highest level. I am sure everyone knows that they have to put their head down and perform for the team.
“I don’t think there will be any team which has everyone on the same page. It is like a family where everyone has a different perspective. At the end of the day, you figure out a common goal and strive towards it.”