5 controversies that rocked cricket in 2018

#4 Power games in Indian Women cricket

Raj walks back to the dugout

Ramesh Powar was appointed the coach of the Indian Women's cricket team ahead of the World T20. Players like Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana were full of praise for the former India off-spinner and his coaching methods.

The off-field positive energy translated in India's performance as the team stormed into the semi-finals. But this is the time when controversy struck. Mithali Raj, the senior most Woman cricketer in the country, despite hitting back-to-back fifties in the tournament was left out of the playing XI for the crucial semi-final.

The Indian batting line-up suffered a major collapse which resulted in an embarrassing defeat for the team. Mithali Raj was hurt and saddened by the treatment that she received from the coach. On the other hand, Powar accused Raj of blackmailing and putting her interest before that of the team.

Despite the support of Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, Powar was eventually axed.