'Enjoy the big stage,' Mithali Raj's advice to India's youngsters

India captain Mithali Raj who is set to play her sixth Women's World Cup says that the only advice she gives the youngsters in her side is to enjoy the big stage and not let the pressure pile up.

Players like Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia, Richa Ghosh among others will play their maiden World Cup, which is set to commence from March 4 in New Zealand.

“The young talent in the side today, I tell them that you don't have the experience of the past World Cups, so it's a clean slate for you, all you have to do is enjoy the big stage.,” she Mithali said, during her pre-tournament press conference. 

“I did have a word with Yastika [Bhatia] the other day, I took her out for a coffee and we've spoken quite a bit, she’s a chatty kid and asked me a lot of questions. 

“The only advice I would tell the young players is enjoy the big stage because if you pile up the pressure you may not be playing the best that the team and you would want to do in the World Cup.”

Mithali said that she is also pleased with the young talent she has at her disposal.

“The talent that we've got in the last year, we've tried some young talent in the squad, and most of them have shown that they have the ability to play at this level like Richa [Ghosh], Shafali [Verma], we have Meghna Singh in the seamers, Pooja Vastrakar.

“They all have been given good game time and those series have really helped them and me as a captain to find out where they fit in into the composition of the team. 

“As far as me personally, I am happy with the way that I've been scoring runs, and I would love to continue the form into the World Cup.”

India kick start their World Cup campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on March 6 at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui.