Zee Media Exclusive: Hope for same recognition as our male counterparts, says Mithali Raj - Watch

New Delhi: The Indian women's cricket team returned home to a rousing reception in the wee hours of Wednesday morning. Mithali Raj & Co finished as runners-up after losing the thrilling final to hosts England on July 23 by nine runs at Lord's.

The players talked to Zee News Editor Sudhir Chaudhary in an exclusive interview, covering almost every aspect of women's cricket in India. Watch the interview here:

The skipper shared their stories of success and the struggle behind it. She also hailed the opportunity provided by Indian Railways to the sport, and matter of factly said that the state-owned company gives employment to 90% women cricketers. Raj also said that, she was surprised and happy that PM Narendra Modi had tweeted about the Indian team's campaign.

During the interview, Harmanpreet Kaur, who rocked the cricketing world with her brand of fearless cricket, said that it was a difficult journey for her. The vice-captain also admitted that Virender Sehwag has been her role-model and inspiration.

As expected, the interview generated huge social media interaction with many fans requesting skipper Raj not to even think of retirement.

On Sunday, India let slip a historic title triumph with nerves getting the better of it in a tense summit clash against England.

It was an anti-climactic result for India since they were well on course for a memorable triumph, sitting pretty at 191 for three in 42.5 before a batting collapse saw them bowled out for 219 in 48.4 overs.

Needing just 38 runs off 43 balls,the Indian lower middle order committed harakiri losing seven wickets for 28 runs in 6.5 overs.