Mithali Raj rues lack of quality net bowlers during outdoor training

“There are a few difficulties but everyone in the world is facing problems adjusting to the challenges posed by the pandemic,” Mithali was quoted as saying to HT. “One difficulty we face now is at small private academies, we’re not getting many bowlers to bowl in the nets because the academies are still not operating at full strength.

“Even with gyms, we can’t just walk in any time, but only in a time slot assigned to us. But that is for our own safety and precaution. BCCI is also working on getting the girls together for a camp. That will help them regroup and work in tandem,” said Mithali, who took India to the finals of the 2017 World Cup in England.

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The Board has earlier confirmed that the Women’s T20 Challenge will be happening In the UAE between November 1 to 10. Speaking about the preparations, she said, “BCCI organised a few sessions for the girls with the sports psychologist helping us through the lockdown to deal with anxiety and uncertainties.

“The support staff, including our coach WV Raman, has been in touch, helping us with the things we need to work on. He (Raman) has been very proactive, reaching out to me as I am the ODI team captain, planning our schedules with BCCI officials. With the women’s challenge and other series in the pipeline, the girls are toiling,” she added.

“It is nice that various academies are opening up in a phased manner. The girls are able to resume cricket practice and ground training. Our trainer has been giving us assignments and we have to give regular updates on our fitness. It is slowly getting to business as usual,” said Mithali, the highest run-getter in women’s ODIs.

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She also stated that the players understand the situation now and are learning to deal with it. “I can speak for the girls and everyone was ok with that because they understand the situation the world and our country are faced with,” Mithali added.

“BCCI is trying to work out modalities with other boards to organise a couple of series. We all are optimistic that things will be on track soon.” Speaking about the tournament in UAE, she stated, “Creating a bio-bubble is not an easy task and it requires a lot of effort. We are all contracted players. Wherever the camp is organised, we will be more than happy to join and regroup and get back to training.”