In the bowling department, does Neetu David’s return indicate that the team has no choice but to go back to experienced hands?
Neetu David is definitely an asset to the team. With her experience, she can inspire the side, has led in the past and is a proven match-winner. We do need new faces in the team and that is something that the coach, selectors and captain have been concentrating on for some time but as a team mate, I think Neetu brings a lot to this team.

Compete against men? Why not, says Mithali

After making her one-day international debut in 1999, leading India to the World Cup final in 2005 and reaching the 3000-run mark this year, Mithali Raj, the captain of the Indian women’s team, is riding high. With the 2009 World Cup just nine months away, she speaks about the challenges she and her team have faced until now and what lies ahead. Excerpts...

How does it feel to have reached the 3000-run mark in one-day cricket, especially since you are among the all-time top five run-getters?
It doesn’t get any better. After having played international cricket for so many years, it is indeed a very satisfying feeling. It’s only appropriate that I put it as an effort that has helped contribute to the team’s cause. The landmark came with an exceptional victory in the Asia Cup, and that makes it all even sweeter.

Jhulan Goswami too has reached the 100-wicket mark, which is another great achievement. How exciting is it to have a bowler like Jhulan in the side?
I’ll put it this way: we’re just happy that Jhulan is on our side and is not somebody who we have to face as an opposition bowler. She’s been the team’s pillar in the bowling department and has been consistent. The pace that she can whip up is amazing, and keeping in mind the next World Cup (in Australia), she’s going to be our best bet with the ball.

... contd.