NAGPUR: She has been a consistent performer in the domestic circuit over the years. However, somehow
Mona Meshram isn't able to transform that into substantial scores at the international level. It has more to do with chances. She is still not getting a long rope to prove her worth.
Mona played in all the matches of World Cup qualifier in Sri Lanka and held the Indian middle order with aplomb. In fact, she was one of the finds of that tour. Mona had shown what she could do with a consistent run.
Now, she is hoping to get chances when India take on Australia later this month. She has been named in the Indian team for the three-match ODI series against Australia in Vadodara. The series will played as a part of the
ICC Women's Championship
(2017-2020).
Mona, who played for Railways in this domestic season after captaining Vidarbha last season, feels some decent scores will help her stay confident for next assignments. India have already started preparing for next year's T20 World Cup.
"This series is crucial for me. Some important scores against Australia will help boost my confidence. Knowing that these matches are actually leading up to the 2018
ICC Women's World Twenty20
in November, I am determined to make the most of every chance I would get," Mona, who is preparing hard for the series, told TOI on Thursday.
"I would be focussing on consistency. I know some responsible knocks alongside seniors like skipper
Mithali Raj and Harman (
Harmanpreet Kaur) in the middle-order will help me. I want to contribute for team's cause," she added.
The right-handed batswomen got to play just one ODI during Indian's highly successful South Africa One-day series, which they won 2-1. Mona scored just 11 runs in the only ODI she played in South Africa. All the upcoming players performed well and there's stiff competition for places in the team. The former Vidarbha skipper knows she is under pressure to retain her place. However, she believes such situations will bring out the best in her.
"There is definitely pressure on me. I know I should have done better in South Africa but I only want to focus on my game rather than thinking about the competition. Pressure keeps you motivated to get better with each day," Mona, who scored 163 in 3 matches during the Senior Women's Challenger One-Day Trophy in Indore just before the South Africa tour, said.
The India middle-order batter believes that the current set of players has been playing a pivotal role in changing the face of women's cricket in India. She credits her senior teammates for it and rejoices being a part of it.
"The likes of Harman, Veda (Krishnamurthy), Smriti (Mandhana), Poonam (Raut) under the guidance of seniors like Mithali Di and Jhulan Di, are playing influential role in transforming women's cricket in India. It is a pleasure to be a part of such a talented bunch of players. Consistent performance from here on will help me stay as a part of the changing story," the stylish player said.
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