Sourav Ganguly Reacts To Mithali Raj's Exclusion, Says 'Welcome to the Group'
Sourav Ganguly also said that it's not the end of the world for Mithali Raj.
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has reacted on Mithali Raj’s exclusion. Mithali was not included in the playing XI against England in the semi-final of ICC Women’s World T20 2018 despite being fit and in good form. Her exclusion surprised many and felt that the senior batter was hard done by. Now Ganguly has jumped to Mithali’s support. The former Indian batsman said that he too had to sit out after his captaincy period was over.
"No! I have also sat out in the dugout after captaining India. When I saw Mithali Raj being dropped, I said 'Welcome to the group'," Ganguly was quoted as saying by IANS. Harmanpreet Kaur Named Captain of ICC Women's World T20 Team, Smriti Mandhana and Poonam Yadav Also Included
Ganguly further added: "Captains are asked to sit, so just do it. I have done it in Faisalabad. I didn't play an ODI game for 15 months when I was probably the best performer in one-day cricket... It happens in life. The best in the world are at times shown the door.”
The former skipper was also of the view that it's not the end of the world for Mithali. "You should always remember you're best because you did something and there's an opportunity again. So, I am not too disappointed seeing Mithali being asked to sit out. I have not been disappointed to see the reactions on the ground. Jhulan Goswami Speaks on Mithali Raj's Exclusion, Says She Felt Bad for the Senior Cricketer
"But I am disappointed because India lost the semifinals because I thought they had the team to go the distance. It happens as they say there's no guarantee in life. Do the best," said Ganguly.
India were handed an eight-wicket defeat in the semi-final against England. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side was bundled for just 112. India finished the group unbeaten, beating even the eventual champions Australia. Mithali smashed back to back half-centuries against Pakistan and Ireland and then against Australia she was rested with some knee problem. Though the senior batter was tipped fit for the semis clash, she was not included in the side. Harmanpreet later said that she has no regrets that Mithali was not picked for the all-important fixture.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 26, 2018 09:11 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).