Christchurch:India captain Mithali Raj, gearing up for a record sixth appearance at an ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, advised young players not to "pile up pressure" instead "enjoy the big stage". The skipper also said Harmanpreet Kaur will serve as the the vice-captain in the World Cup. All-rounder Deepti Sharma was Mithali's deputy in the final two ODIs against New Zealand.
"We've tried some young talent in the squad, and most of them have shown that they have the ability to play at this level like Richa (Ghosh), Shafali (Verma)... We have Meghna Singh in the seamers and Pooja Vastrakar," Mithali said in a virtual press conference. "They all have given good game time and those series have really helped them and me as a captain to find out where they fit in into the composition of the team." "I am happy with the way I've been scoring runs, and I would love to continue the form into the World Cup." With her vast experience, the India skipper has been passing on her wisdom to those set to make their debut.
"The young talent in the side today, I tell them that you don't have the experience of the past World Cups, so it's a clean slate for you. "All you have to do is enjoy the big stage. I did have a word with Yastika (Bhatia) the other day... she asked me a lot of questions. "The only advice I would give the young players is enjoy the big stage because if you pile up the pressure, you may not be playing the best that the team and you would want to do in the World Cup," she said. (UNI)