I want to be at my best in World Cup: Mithali Raj

KOLKATA: Indian women's cricket captain Mithali Raj is upbeat about India's chances at the upcoming World Cup in England this June. She spoke to TOI about her team's preparations. Excerpts:
How do you assess India's performance in the World Cup qualifiers?
We dominated most of the matches. The final was certainly a real test and the girls but we did well to snatch a one-wicket victory against South Africa.Playing against South Africa, Pakistan and Sri Lanka gave us an idea about their strengths and weaknesses which should come in handy in the World Cup.
How much of a setback did the cancellation of the October series against Pakistan prove?
It cost us six points, but it proved to be blessing in disguise. Playing the qualifiers helped us to prepare better and test our bench strength. Now that we have qualified, we need to work harder as a team and look to improve.
How difficult was it to cope with injuries to two of your top players?
It was a big blow to lose Jhulan Goswami and Smriti Mandhana just before the tournament. It was also a wake-up call for us to start grooming young pacers.
What are your expectations from what could be your last World Cup?
This will be my fifth World Cup and I would definitely want to get my hands on the trophy. My first target is to help India reach the last-four stage. Our World T20 campaign at home last year was a big disappointment. But One-Day (50 overs) World Cup is different and we have done well in this format in the past. I hope we can carry the momentum we have gathered in the qualifiers into the World Cup.
Your thoughts on BCCI central contracts for current players and onetime benefit scheme for ex-players.
It's a very nice gesture from the BCCI to acknowledge the contribution of the ex-players. But it should not stop there. The BCCI should also look to pay the domestic cricketers well. The players who play the three-day tournament, national championship, and super league deserve better compensation.