Women's World T20: CoA asks for Mithali Raj's fitness logs
The Committee of Administrators (CoA) overlooking the BCCI has asked for Mithali Raj's fitness logs during the ICC Women's World T20. The coveted world tourney got over on Sunday with Australia winning their fourth title. India were beaten by England in the semis. And the dropping of an in-form Mithali had raised eyebrows all around, leading to the CoA's intervention.
In-form Mithali was surprisingly omitted from playing XI
After being asked to bat lower down the order in the opening match, Mithali resumed her normal position as an opener for the next two matches. Mithali hit 56 against Pakistan and then notched a gritty 51 against the Irish eves. She was rested for the game against Australia in a rather strange manner. And then in a vital semis clash, she was dropped.
A disastrous show followed by Harmanpreet's reasoning
The Indian eves were shut down for just 112 against England. Besides Smriti, none of the batswomen went past 30. India lost the encounter by 8 wickets and crashed out. Harman Kaur in her post-match conference said she didn't regret the decision to drop Mithali. "Whatever we decided, we decided for the team. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, no regrets," said Kaur.
Women's team coach and manager to meet CoA
Besides asking for Mithali's fitness logs, the CoA is also concerned over the leak of India's selection meeting ahead of the crucial semis encounter. It isn't happy with the leaking to the media and has asked for an explanation from CEO Rahul Johri and other officials. Reports state that coach Ramesh Powar and manager Trupti Bhattacharya will meet Johri and the CoA on Monday.
'Coach had expressed views on same winning combination'
According to a report in Times of India, the decision to drop Mithali was actually finalized in the meeting on Thursday post Australia-West Indies clash. The match was attended by selector Sudha Shah and Bhattacharya. "I, as manager, convened the meeting. They (captain, coach and selector) discussed the wicket and the coach expressed that the same winning combination against Australia should play," Bhattacharya revealed.
Extra bowler the reason behind Mithali's ouster: Bhattacharya
Bhattacharya also added that the reason to drop Mithali was going in with an extra bowler. She said, "Harman and Smriti shared the same view and also told the selector, Sudha Shah, that an extra bowler would help the team."
Raj's manager Annisha Gupta lashed out at Kaur
Mithali Raj's manager Annisha Gupta was left unimpressed with the treatment Raj has received despite being consistent with the bat. "And we can see the kind of treatment that Mithali has received despite her brilliant performance and despite showing stability and consistency. The kind of treatment she has received is completely uncalled for," Annisha had said. Her tweet on Harman had created controversy.
