Mithali-Raj-Retirement

Mithali Raj Picture Credit: Twitter/@CricketDeDaNaDa

India women's ODI captain Mithali Raj on Saturday said that the 50-Over World Cup in 2022, which is scheduled to happen in New Zealand, will be her "swansong" after an international career lasting over two decades. The 38-year-old is one of the finest woman cricketers that the country has ever produced and is on a hunt to look out for some good seam bowling options for the pitches on offer in New Zealand next year.

"It's been 21 years of international cricket and I know 2022 is my swansong, The World Cup," Mithali said during the virtual launch of a sports book on Sportstar's YouTube channel. "The last year is equal to the 20 years of my international cricket," she added.

It  takes a lot out of me to keep working on my fitness: Mithali

The only batter with over 7000 ODI runs in women's cricket also spoke about how she had to keep herself motivated during the COVID-19 times which also deferred the global event by a year.

"I know we are in difficult times but it takes a lot out of me to keep working on my fitness. I am not getting any younger, in fact I am getting older and I know the importance of fitness," Mithali said, adding, "The importance of being in a very good emotional and mental set-up, knowing that there will be very few tours before the World Cup."

Notably, Indian women are set to play four bilateral series against England, Australia, West Indies and New Zealand before the marquee event next year.

"Every tour (from now on) is important for me as a batter as to how I am going to get the team to regroup and build a team for the World Cup," Mithali stated.

Know More about Mithali: Indian cricket captain creates history | Mithali Raj records & achievements