Darkest day of my life, says Mithali Raj after Ramesh Powar questioned her attitude

The Mithali Raj-Ramesh Powar controversy episode of Indian cricket refuses to die down. After the 35-year-old cricketer wrote to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) accusing the coach Powar of humiliating her during the Women’s World T20 in the Windies recently, the latter brought counter charges against her and she now has reacted to them.

Mithali was dropped for India’s semi-final tie against England in the tournament, which she claimed was not in her knowledge till the last minute, and even the team’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur faced flak later for ignoring the veteran batter for the match played on a difficult wicket. Powar, in his defence, said Mithali was “aloof and difficult to handle” and that she had threatened to retire ahead of the game against Pakistan.

Mithali, who scored fifties in both matches she got to bat in the World T20, called Powar’s charges as “aspersions” and said in a tweet that she was deeply hurt. She also added that despite playing for 20 years, her patriotism and skill set were being questioned. She called it the “darkest day” of her life.

I'm deeply saddened & hurt by the aspersions cast on me. My commitment to the game & 20yrs of playing for my country.The hard work, sweat, in vain.
Today, my patriotism doubted, my skill set questioned & all the mud slinging- it's the darkest day of my life. May god give strength

— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) November 29, 2018

Just a few days short of turning 36, Mithali Raj has been one of India’s most prolific scorers – amassing nearly 10,000 international runs. Her omission from the playing XI in the semi-final was criticised by experts, including former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar who said he felt sorry for the ace cricketer.

Mithali was below par in practice games

Powar later backed the decision to drop Mithali citing her “below par performance” in the practice games. “(Her) intent was missing and (she) could not lean and execute shots due to limited ability in skills and fitness,” Powar had reportedly said during a meeting with BCCI CEO Rahul Johri and General Manager of operations Saba Karim at the BCCI headquarters.

With all the blaming going on between the two respected personalities, it remains to be seen what stance the BCCI takes in this matter.

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