Indian Women’s skipper Mithali Raj says Virat Kohli inspires her to stay fit. The 29-year-old who was once a fat and chubby kid has now undergone a total transformation and is one of the fittest cricketers in the world.
“It feels great that all of them are getting their due, and that people are finally recognizing them,” Mithali said at the CNN-News18 Indian of the Year 2017.
This year Mithali became the first Indian batter to score 7 consecutive fifties in ODI cricket. Only Javed Miandad has more consecutive fifties than Raj (9).
“I”ve come so far playing cricket in an era where it was not really appreciated, and responding to trolls is not really worth my time.There are so many people who inspire me every day, not one person. But if I do have to name someone, it”s got to be Virat Kohli, for bringing the focus on fitness. Be it the men or women, everyone wants to be the best in international cricket,” Raj added.
Indian team enjoyed a successful run in the 2017 Women’s World Cup making it to the final. India was on the verge of victory before playing some reckless shots and losing the final. Raj confirmed that was her last world cup but she will continue to play for 2 more years though.
Raj has played 186 ODIS for India scoring 6190 runs at an average of 51. She is the leading run scorer in Women’s ODI Cricket. Indian women team’s next cricketing assignment is a tour to South Africa Women consisting 3 ODIS and 5 T20Is in February 2018, at the same time when Indian will be playing the Proteas.
– by Atharva Apte