Jhulan, Mithali set sights on 2022 Women's World Cup
With the pandemic having disrupted international cricket, the Women's World Cup in New Zealand, which was to be held in early 2021, has been pushed back a year in order to give players and boards the time to adequately prepare for the tournament.
The 37-year-old fast bowler Goswami acknowledged that she had been preparing with the 2021 schedule in mind, but recognizes the unique challenges which have caused the tournament to be postponed.
"With the current Covid-19 situation, the preparation was held up," she told PTI. "If you are going to the World Cup you have to be prepared. You have a lot of things going in the mind, combinations and ideas and you need time to try them.
🚨 JUST IN 🚨
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) August 7, 2020
The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, originally slated for 2021 in New Zealand, has now been rescheduled for 2022. pic.twitter.com/RMzgVYClyi
"We respect the decision taken by the authorities. It would have not been easy to create a bio-bubble for eight teams, hopefully, there will be a vaccine soon."
She reiterated her commitment to playing in the World Cup, although, in spite of being the all-time leading wicket-taker in women's ODI cricket with 225 scalps, she isn't taking her place in the side for granted and remains determined to prove herself in matches that take place in the interim.
"Yes, 2022 is the goal now but you have to be part of the process and play matches consistently and perform and then you can think about the World Cup because there is a lot of time left and it is not round the corner anymore," she said.
Oh absolutely , my eyes are fixed firmly on the trophy 🏆. with all niggles recovered , mind and body fresh and stronger than before I am definitely looking at World Cup 2022 .
— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) August 8, 2020
"At this time, I can only think about the next series and performing in it and start from zero. I can't tell you what may happen between now and 2022 as it is still far way."
Jhulan's long-time India partner and skipper of the ODI side Mithali Raj took to Twitter to express her enthusiasm to play in the New Zealand World Cup despite the postponement, adding that the delay would only give teams more time to get ready.
"There’s always a positive to take out of any situation, in this case too, I say more time for planning and preparations. Same vision, same goal," she beamed in response to news about the rescheduling.