India’s One-day International captain and veteran batter Mithali Raj is keen on getting off to a fresh start under new coach WV Raman’s regime. Ramesh Powar was ousted from his post following differences with Mithali.
The women’s team was at the centre of a huge controversy after their semi-final exit in the T20 World Cup in the West Indies. Raj accused former coach Powar of bias and Committee of Administrators member Diana Edulji of trying to finish her career.
“I think it’s a fresh start. Coming into the new year, this is the first series and yes we have moved on from that (controversy),” Mithali told reporters ahead of the team’s departure to New Zealand.
Mithali is confident that Raman’s experience as a coach would make a difference, and that she will be on the “same page” with the former India opener.
“When a coach comes in the national side, we as a team are very vocal and expressive as to what is required for the benefit of the team. The coach and the players will have to be on the same page, because that’s very important.”
While this will be her first stint under Raman, the 36-year-old is confident that the team will do well. “And I am sure. I have not trained under him (Raman) but met him couple of times, and if you seen his credentials... he has played (at the highest level) and coached various teams at various levels.
“So he comes with that and there are no expectations as such when you have credentials like that, you are only positive that the coach will make big difference to the team, getting in to the year and to the series.”
Mithali also acknowledged that all coaches have played a part in shaping up the team. “I honestly believe every coach like how very captain has a very different take, they get very different perspective to the table, so does the coach.
“The team what it is today, is because of all those various coaches, who trained the team in these years, the team has come so far and his (Raman’s) knowledge will only benefit the team to move forward,” she added.
Mithali also stressed that as the ODI captain she will bring the team together. “At this level, every player understands what it takes to reach this level and what it takes as a team to play, go on an overseas tour, aim to win the series and gain those (ICC ranking) points.
“So even though we (coach-captain) might have difference of opinions, but when it comes down to players, as a team, we sit and discuss,” the skipper said.
Mithali is hopeful that she can bring the team together against the White Ferns during the upcoming tour, one of her toughest assignments in recent times.
“Individual brilliance can win you matches but if you have to win the series, you need every member, every core member of your team to perform and that performance has to compliment the team’s goal. I believe I will be able to get the team together again and that is what we are going to work on,” she added.