In an exclusive interview with espnstar.com, Mithali Raj said that India's chances are bright in the women’s WC.

By Sudeer Mahavaadi

Q: What are your feelings on being conferred the best women's cricketer award?

Ans: Well it was not a surprise because I had a tremendous domestic season, scoring more than half a dozen centuries. I think that made the job easy for the judges. I mean they did not have to think much. Anyway I am pretty happy about it.

Q: Last time we were the runners-up. How do you rate India's chances this time?

Ans: Yes, last time we were a bit unlucky. We did not play to our potential in the final, and we lost a golden chance. This time it certainly looks bright. We just had a series in Australia. It all depends on how we tune ourselves to the conditions. There are also a lot of yougsters. Good thing is, we might play some practice matches on the grounds, where we will be playing the main games.

Q: You are the batting mainstay of the team. Is there a lot of pressure on you?

Ans: Yes, it is natural. The expectations will always be there. If you are the main batswoman everyone expects you to perform all the time. And it is your duty to live upto the expectations. In fact, every top order batswoman is expected to play and handle the pressure.

Q: Do you think the home team being the defending champions will enjoy the advantage?

Ans: Home advantage is always a bonus for any team for that matter. But since New Zealand could beat them at the Rose Bowl recently, there will be pressure on the home side. We also hope to click in the tournament.

Q: Do you think any team can throw in a surprise this time around? If yes which one?

Ans: Why not? West Indies can. Last time they were underdogs and finished fifth. This time with Pakistan qualifying there will be three teams from Asia. I think that is going to be more exciting.

Q: You only have a week's camp in Mumbai - is it worrying?

Ans: Well not much. Yes, certainly a longer camp would have been more helpful. But we are all match fit since the season had just ended on Feb 15. We have just got to condition ourselves.

Q: What should be the main focus of the team?

Ans: Well, our batting is very strong. We have a decent pace attack. The main focus should be on fielding. And if we can get to play four-five matches with the boys, that will do.

Q: There are three Hyderabadis in the team this time. What are your thoughts on that?

Ans: Yes  certainly happy about it. They should justify their selection. It is a golden chance for them - a cricketer's dream. They, I don't say are rookies. Gouhar is two series old, while Sraanthi is making a comeback. They are talented girls and have had a good domestic season. Their confidence must be pretty high. Gouhar also played in Austalia, she has had the taste of the conditions there. She should come good.

Q: Are you happy with the team's composition?

Ans: Well, it is more of a young side. They are only five-six experienced players in the squad. World Cup pressure will be altogether different . I would have preferred a couple of more experienced ones. But the selectors know better. They have rightly gone by the domestic performances. They might be right you know, sometimes young blood makes the difference.

Q: Anjum Chopra and Jain are going to make history this time. Your thoughts on that?

Ans: Congratulations to them. It is going to be their fourth World Cup. They have been of great help. Their experience will help the youngsters to pick a leaf. You learn when you are there over a period of time. Don't you?

Q: How do you rate Jhulan Goswami as a skipper?

Ans: Well it is too early to say. She is just one series old. She led the team in Australia. She will, I think learn in the years to come. She is a quality player and a great motivator.

Q: You are not leading this time. Is it disappointing or are you feeling relieved?

Ans: I would not say disappointing. In fact, I enjoyed my stint as a captain. In fact in 2005 World Cup I got the chance. Every player would first want to be a part of the team. I am happy, I am still justifying my selection as a player. Well the responsibility on the field would be little minus. As a captain you think all the time. Since I being one of the experienced batswomen that kind of onus will be always there.

Q: Apart from you who are the players who can play key roles for the team?

Ans: Our main concern is openers not scoring runs. If the middle order is exposed to the new ball initially, you cannot always expect them to click. And tailenders job becomes more difficult. The women's cricket has changed now completely. Teams are scoring more than 200-300 runs. The openers should click this time to lessen the burden.

Q: This time men's and women's 20-20 will be held together in England. Your thoughts?

Ans: I am very excited about it. It will help women's cricket with regards to publicity. It would be really great. We are eagerly waiting for that.

Q: How often you happen to meet your male counterparts and what do you ask them?

Ans: Well, not very often. As we know they have a crazy schedule. But we do meet them during state and national camps. At NCA, we had chance to interact with VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid. We had a nice time with them. It was good to learn from them that they follow women's cricket. They do pass on some important tips.

Q: How helpful was the NCA camp from your point of view?

Ans: Recently I was there for ten days. We had full sessions everyday. The good thing about NCA is we just sat at one place and learnt. We don't need to juggle around.

Q: What about your marriage plans?

Ans: (Laughs) Not in the near future. As you mentioned we have T20 coming up immediately. Let me still enjoy cricket. Completely packed with it.