Back in December 2017, this columnist got the opportunity to interview the all format captain of India’s women’s cricket team—Mithali Raj. I was looking forward to it, especially since the spotlight was slowly moving towards women cricketers, and deservingly so. Their exploits in the 2016 Women’s World Cup was also a huge gamechanger, and thanks to televised coverage, it made many of them household names.

What did the Indian captain, who rode the rough road for so long, and had seen the ups and [mostly] downs of the game’s evolution in India, think of these refreshing, and long overdue changes? “Now, media reportage has improved for women’s sports; and yes, sportswomen are also more media savvy, with social media tools that make them accessible,” she said. She gave the example of her presence at the event we were at—a seminar on women change makers. “Even I am getting used to all this,” she smiled, allowing me to join the dots. From the all-white gear on field to a silhouetted black number and stilettos, heads turned as she made her presence felt among the line-up of power women across culture, sport and business.