Mithali Raj has ‘not really thought about my future’, retirement on hold

Mithali Raj, after India’s heart-breaking loss against South Africa in the ICC Women’s World Cup, said that she is yet to take a call on retirement. The loss against the Proteas means the Indians have been knocked out of the tournament. 

South Africa defeated India by three wickets in a last over thriller in Christchurch on Sunday. The loss was possibly the last World Cup game for two Indian veterans – Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami. Both are 39 years old. 

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When asked in the post match press conference, Raj said that it is not the right time to take a call on her future. 

“You’ve not given me even an hour to think about my future, to go through and process what has just happened today,” the Indian skipper said. 

Mithali Raj in the only woman cricketer to have played in six World Cups. She had made her maiden appearance 22 years ago. 

Also read: ICC Women’s World Cup: Mithali proud of India, thanks fans after loss vs SA

“When you have a disappointment and in the campaign which ends like this in a World Cup where you’ve really prepared very hard over a year, it takes time to accept and then probably move on from there. Whatever the future holds for each and every player, so I’ve not really thought about my future.” Raj said. 

She added that the call can be taken only when all ’emotions are settled down’. 

“I am not in… It would not be appropriate for me to comment on my future, considering that the sort of game that we just played and as emotions are still there,” Raj said when prodded if the South Africa match was her last in India colours.

Also read: India’s journey in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022

The Indian skipper scored 68 runs against South Africa. Smriti Mandhana (71) and Shafali Verma (53) struck half-centuries at the Haguely Oval. However, the opponents successfully chased the total with no balls to spare.