Hyderabad: For about 23 years – from the age of 16 to the age of 30 – Mithali Raj Showcasing her immense talent with Willow, she was roaming the cricket field around the world. The ‘reluctant’ cricketer became a torchbearer for women as she was a pioneer in many ways.
But the journey was not easy. There were many pitfalls to be avoided and the lower stages of life to be overcome. “When you are successful a lot of things don’t come to your mind because you just go with the good things that are happening. But when times are tough, it becomes a different ball game. I always I think – as a young player – why am I facing this. But then when I shared it – I don’t remember exactly with whom – they were able to help me,” Mithali, who shares her busy promoting the biopic.Well done Mithu‘, which is scheduled to release on July 15, told TOI.
Being on top sounds very glamorous but it is not always so. “When you are at the top, you are always alone. This is why many successful people think they are alone. But it has helped me understand and analyze a lot of things internally, Which helped me develop a positive attitude.”
“During those low phases, we always rely on people to help us. I was lucky to have a good support system and it kept me from going down the wrong path. It’s easy to slip down the road when things happen.” Happens. Not good, especially if you don’t have the right people to influence or encourage you at the time.”
The Hyderabadi feels that his success lies in doing monotonous and boring things with passion. “I also think that not everyone is game for doing small or routine things. People think that being successful is about working hard and grabbing all the opportunities and turning it around. But many don’t realize that. We have to work every day even if they are mundane and that is the secret of success.
“Doing those mundane things in a way every day, you’re tuning your body and your mind. It’s like a mechanical thing. So, when you really want to do things, it’s most of the times And that’s why discipline and routine are two important factors. Sometimes, I didn’t like doing those things, but I did it and embraced it wholeheartedly. I kept telling myself that I love it and I love it. have to.”
Mithali is grateful for the support system she has received over the years. “My parents and three people have played a very important role in my life and career. One is my friend from school Harsh Priya, Even though sometimes I can’t meet him for two years, our friendship has always been the same. She’s always been there for me. Another one is Nushin Al Khadeer whom I have known since my U-19 days and shares the dressing room for both the Indian team and the Indian Railways. There is an understanding between us, in the sense that she knows that everything I do or say comes from a good place in my heart. The third friend is Aparajita, who is a lawyer by profession. He is also the one I have known since his U-19 days and has played cricket and done some coaching (Level II). Although she shifted her field six to seven years ago, she gives me a different perspective on things. Not having any connection with cricket, giving perspective on things is refreshing. As players, we always look at certain modes and situations but when you have an outsider like a non-cricketer, there is a difference in their approach. My brother has also been my silent supporter. He doesn’t say much but he is someone who stands by me like a rock. These people make up my support system.”
Has he ever faced any embarrassing situation on the field? “I think in the pre-BCCI days, there were a lot of issues like this, but after coming under BCCIThe game has become more professional and the matches are well organized. Players usually do not face such situations.
“Before having BCCI, we used to play a lot of games in small venues. When there is a sudden rush, especially in smaller towns where people are not aware and have not seen women playing cricket, it creates some problems. Out of curiosity they come in large numbers and there is not enough protection to control them. I have never experienced anything embarrassing but I have seen one of my teammates go through it. One of the good parts of being a captain is that you are always inside the circle and not the boundaries,” she added.
What will life be like after cricket? “I have some plans. Sure, I’m going to join the game. Let’s see how it goes.”
Mithali hasn’t seen Mithun yet
Though she is busy promoting her biopic, Mithali hasn’t seen it yet. “I wasn’t a part of it during the making because I was preparing world Cup, I haven’t seen the movie yet because I have just recovered covid few days back. As a family, we had to watch the film, but we had to postpone it. I’m going to watch it in a day or two. Right now, I am going to start with the promotions of the film.”
But the journey was not easy. There were many pitfalls to be avoided and the lower stages of life to be overcome. “When you are successful a lot of things don’t come to your mind because you just go with the good things that are happening. But when times are tough, it becomes a different ball game. I always I think – as a young player – why am I facing this. But then when I shared it – I don’t remember exactly with whom – they were able to help me,” Mithali, who shares her busy promoting the biopic.Well done Mithu‘, which is scheduled to release on July 15, told TOI.
Being on top sounds very glamorous but it is not always so. “When you are at the top, you are always alone. This is why many successful people think they are alone. But it has helped me understand and analyze a lot of things internally, Which helped me develop a positive attitude.”
“During those low phases, we always rely on people to help us. I was lucky to have a good support system and it kept me from going down the wrong path. It’s easy to slip down the road when things happen.” Happens. Not good, especially if you don’t have the right people to influence or encourage you at the time.”
The Hyderabadi feels that his success lies in doing monotonous and boring things with passion. “I also think that not everyone is game for doing small or routine things. People think that being successful is about working hard and grabbing all the opportunities and turning it around. But many don’t realize that. We have to work every day even if they are mundane and that is the secret of success.
“Doing those mundane things in a way every day, you’re tuning your body and your mind. It’s like a mechanical thing. So, when you really want to do things, it’s most of the times And that’s why discipline and routine are two important factors. Sometimes, I didn’t like doing those things, but I did it and embraced it wholeheartedly. I kept telling myself that I love it and I love it. have to.”
Mithali is grateful for the support system she has received over the years. “My parents and three people have played a very important role in my life and career. One is my friend from school Harsh Priya, Even though sometimes I can’t meet him for two years, our friendship has always been the same. She’s always been there for me. Another one is Nushin Al Khadeer whom I have known since my U-19 days and shares the dressing room for both the Indian team and the Indian Railways. There is an understanding between us, in the sense that she knows that everything I do or say comes from a good place in my heart. The third friend is Aparajita, who is a lawyer by profession. He is also the one I have known since his U-19 days and has played cricket and done some coaching (Level II). Although she shifted her field six to seven years ago, she gives me a different perspective on things. Not having any connection with cricket, giving perspective on things is refreshing. As players, we always look at certain modes and situations but when you have an outsider like a non-cricketer, there is a difference in their approach. My brother has also been my silent supporter. He doesn’t say much but he is someone who stands by me like a rock. These people make up my support system.”
Has he ever faced any embarrassing situation on the field? “I think in the pre-BCCI days, there were a lot of issues like this, but after coming under BCCIThe game has become more professional and the matches are well organized. Players usually do not face such situations.
“Before having BCCI, we used to play a lot of games in small venues. When there is a sudden rush, especially in smaller towns where people are not aware and have not seen women playing cricket, it creates some problems. Out of curiosity they come in large numbers and there is not enough protection to control them. I have never experienced anything embarrassing but I have seen one of my teammates go through it. One of the good parts of being a captain is that you are always inside the circle and not the boundaries,” she added.
What will life be like after cricket? “I have some plans. Sure, I’m going to join the game. Let’s see how it goes.”
Mithali hasn’t seen Mithun yet
Though she is busy promoting her biopic, Mithali hasn’t seen it yet. “I wasn’t a part of it during the making because I was preparing world Cup, I haven’t seen the movie yet because I have just recovered covid few days back. As a family, we had to watch the film, but we had to postpone it. I’m going to watch it in a day or two. Right now, I am going to start with the promotions of the film.”