Indian women’s cricket team skipper Mithali Raj on Wednesday said that focus, more than fitness, would be the key to success in the ICC World T20 to be held in Sri Lanka in September.
Speaking to The Hindu, Mithali, who is attending a training camp with 30 probables at Andhra Cricket Association’s Women’s Cricket Academy at Guntur, said that in the shortest format, everything was in fast-forward mode and there was hardly any time to bounce back. “Unlike in ODIs and Tests, there are no drink breaks or another session to recover. The player should stay focused till the match is over.”
She said the conditions in Sri Lanka would be of help to the team as they were similar to those in India. “Since it is World Cup, the International Cricket Council (ICC) might go in for batting strips as it wants the batters to pile up big totals to lure the crowd to the stadium,” she felt.
Mithali said she would like to have all-rounders who can bowl and bat according to the situation. “Since there is a possibility of pitches turning slow, I would like to see a couple of spinners too.”
Mithali also had a word of appreciation for the organisers at the Guntur academy. “I was a bit sceptical when I inaugurated it two years ago, but the administrators have come up with the best of facilities for the players.”
The Indian team will be selected after the 15-day camp.
