I hope Mithali Raj looks at the bigger picture of cricket, asserts Ramesh Powar
India women’s team coach, Ramesh Powar, in his report to BCCI has revealed the other side of the Mithali Raj’s controversy where Raj has been accused of misusing her status and being a selfish cricketer. Powar has also talked about Raj’s explosive threats during the recently concluded World T20.
Things have taken a turn for the worse in the Mithali Raj controversy after the person she accused the most in her letter to BCCI - Ramesh Powar - handed in a report of his side of the story. In a detailed report submitted by Powar to BCCI CEO Rahul Johri and GM Saba Karim, the former India spinner reveals how Raj created a ruckus in West Indies and jeopardised the team’s performance with her off-field antics.
"Before Pakistan match, video analyst Mr Pushkar Sawant came to my room with the news that fielding coach Mr Biju George conveyed to him that Mithali is upset about not changing the batting order & not allowing her to open in Pakistan match. She has packed her bags to leave with announcement of retirement in the morning.
"Mr Biju George (fielding coach) gave feedback that Mithali Raj was not interested in fielding drills with intensity which is hampering intensity and rhythm of the fielding session. He tried to convince her every time but she did not improve. In matches she could not field outside circle or at any important positions due to poor agility and limited fielding skills.
"I hope Mithali Raj stops blackmailing, pressurising coaches & also stops putting her interest first than team's . I hope she will look at the bigger picture & work towards betterment of the Indian women's cricket," Powar wrote in his report.
The former KXIP player revealed how Raj was allowed to open the innings against Pakistan only due to the pressure from the selectors. He even accuses her of putting her selfish interests ahead of the team.
"Against Pakistan, to save the positive team environment, we opened with Mithali Raj due to pressure from travelling selector and Mithali's threatening behaviour (retirement) to go back home if not given a chance to open the innings.
"After Pakistan game, she was moving around with an attitude. Making her own group with selected few players sitting away from the team. As a head coach, I was very disappointed and saddened to see legend like her dividing a team in two groups. (She) ignored her role and batted for own milestones. Lack of keeping the momentum going which was putting extra pressure on other batters," he added.
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