A few years ago, bemoaning the lack of media coverage of women’s cricket, Indian captain Mithali Raj had famously said: “There are generally no reporters at our matches, either to see our team’s performances, or my dimples.” Well, now they are triggering a mini-stampede among scribes and fans alike.
At Delhi’s Rail Bhawan, 600 raucous supporters could be heard shouting: “Mithali, Harman, Punam…we are proud of you.” Inside, close to a thousand were standing on tables and chairs trying to zoom in on the players with their mobile phones during a felicitation by the Railways.
It wasn’t just journalists stepping over each other’s toes to get a sound bite from the finalists, everyone wanted a slice of their reflected glory.
First stop, the sports minister’s residence, then the BCCI felicitation at the Taj’s rooftop restaurant, then mingling with fans at Rail Bhawan and then, well, the Prime Minister might also like a quick word with Mithali & Co.
