Quotes from Mithali Raj

I feel that when you are chasing 270 there's always going to be pressure but you need the opening pair to give us a start so that the batters can take from thereon.

Unless there is branding, players will not get adequate payment. Why do we want matches to be televised? Why do we want people to turn up for our matches? That's how you will generate revenue.

But, ultimately, it is up to the captain to decide whether she wants to accept a suggestion or not. But, as a senior member of the team, I will always give suggestions for the betterment of the team, whenever I can come up with any.

People were not even knowing that women's cricket existed. And from that phase to today where people would want to follow women's cricket, I think we have come a long way.

As a captain and as a player I wanted to lead the team well and score runs, because I know the team still depends on me very much.

I think we are still on the lookout for a left-arm spinner who can at least be closer to what Neetu David has been for women's cricket.

But once you get accepted and are trained under the best coaches, these things really help boost your confidence level.

But growing as an India cricketer it was about the blue jersey and the pride we all felt wearing that jersey.

With central contracts, you are very well looked after by the board. You do not have to be bothered about anything else. Just put in the hard work and do well for the country.

When we talk about knowledge or tactical plans, if a woman coach has the capability, then she should surely get an opportunity to coach the Indian men's team.

I do not make decisions based on emotion, because it is my career and I would like to be more practical when it comes to career.

You can't just give up because you lose one game. India has always had the problem that when faced with the crunch matches, the team does not necessarily step up.

I began my journey as a captain when I was just 21-22 and leading the Indian side for so many years has helped me also grow as a person. My growth as a person pretty much has happened on the ground along with teammates.

From making my international debut as a 16-year-old to now 37, it has been a good 21 years of my prime life spent not at home but at the ground - different countries, hotels, grounds, coaches, travel etc. It's been a very privileged journey.

When I am playing, I try to keep the genre very easy-going and breezy. I can't be into the book and not be into the profession I am in.

I have always believed that against smaller teams is when you can give others a chance to get some runs and gain some confidence.

When I made my debut I had a lot of seniors in the side, then players of my own age group, then juniors and now am rubbing shoulders with teenagers. It's actually the fourth generation of players and a rarity for a player to achieve it.

I think at some level the ICC is trying to promote the women's game globally and that requires them to focus more on ODI and T20I cricket. They are trying to revive the game.

I speak Tamil well and I am proud to be living as a Tamil. but above it all, I am very proud Indian!

Even though I am someone who played one-dayers more, I have equally prepared hard for the T20 format too.

If you keep winning, people will stay glued to our cricket.

The first thing my mom told me after I reached Hyderabad was that I won't be going out on a two-wheeler.

There will always be people who will criticise you without knowing the facts.

Cricket is not gender biased. It isn't that men's cricket is different and women's a different one.