Today, my patriotism doubted, my skill set questioned – it’s the darkest day of my life: Mithali Raj

In response to Powar’s report to the BCCI and CoA, Mithali took to twitter stating that this is the darkest day of her life

The controversy erupted after veteran Indian women’s player Mithali Raj was left out of the crucial semi-final fixture against England in the ICC Women’s World T20 in Antigua – which India lost – continues to escalate.

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After Mithali’s manager lambasted the decision on social media and Mithali ‘s own explosive letter to the BCCI lashing out coach Ramesh Powar and accusing CoA member Diana Edulji of bias, Powar in his 10-page report stated that Mithali was tough to handle.

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And now, in response to Powar’s report to the BCCI and CoA, Mithali took to twitter stating that this is the darkest day of her life and her hard work has gone in vain after her my patriotism was doubted, her skill set was questioned.

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

Powar’s 10-page tour report, it was reported, was almost entirely focussed on Mithali, taking up nearly five pages.

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“I hope Mithali stops blackmailing, pressurising coaches and putting her interest first than the team,” Powar said while summarising Mithali’s performance on the tour.

Powar said the decision to push her down the order was taken after due consultation with her but still led to a furore. “Before Pakistan match, video analyst Pushkar Sawant came to my room and said that fielding coach Biju George has conveyed to him that Mithali is upset with batting order and packed her bags with announcement of retirement in the morning,” Powar wrote in his report.

“I was saddened by her attitude and it gave me an impression that Mithali Raj comes first and then India. She threw a lot of tantrums and created a lot of chaos,” he stated.

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