Star opening batter Punam Raut from Mumbai has been a star of the recently concluded women’s world cup. The right handed opener also got a hundred in the coveted tournament. India women ranked seventh before the start of the tournament managed to make the finals and put up a tough fight for hosts to the ultimate glory. Indian eves may have lost the finals by 36 runs, but the team was congratulated from across the world for putting up such a commendable show.
They returned home to India to warm applause from all and some of them have also received central government jobs and money as a reward. The team looks to be on the right track and we will hope they really make win the next women’s world cup.
Punam was surprised to see a massive crowd that included members of Mumbai’s U-23 and U-19 women’s teams along with their selectors, coaches, officials, former India and Mumbai women’s cricketers. Mumbai Cricket Association president Ashish Shelar and joint secretary Dr PV Shetty were also present to welcome the Indian women’s team and especially the hometown girl Punam Raut.
Punam Raut spoke to reporters there in Mumbai and said, “I gave my 100 per cent in each and every match. Our goal was to win the final, but we couldn’t achieve that. I express my apology to all Indians. I fell short in my attempt to win this World Cup for my country, but I assure you that the next time we will perform better and win.”
#PunamRaut #WWC17 pic.twitter.com/7CquWodxYG
— Chhaya (@Chhaya_04) July 22, 2017
Great innings by #punamraut 73* Now 68 need from 78 ball 7 wicket in hand to win the #ICCWomensWorldCup2017 #WomenInBlue #IndvsEng #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/51jpeoCf5I
— Adarsh Sharma_ (@Adarsh_Samarpit) July 23, 2017
The only thing is that when she should be proud of her valiant show at the event, she is apologising. This should not be the case as she should relive her magical knocks at the world cup, which will now be a part of her glorious memory.
She also spoke in another interview after the world cup and said, “It was very difficult to sleep that night. We were in the hotel, all alone and there were too many thoughts running in my mind. I later told myself that whatever happens, it does for the good. There could be something better in store for us in the future. I was analysing what we could have done better and why this situation developed. I tried to think about all the positive things that had happened and how to make sure it continued.”
She is just 27-years-old and if she stays fit and at the top of her game, she can play two more world cups.
