Mithali Raj’s cricketing career, which spanned more than 22 years, is one of the most remarkable stories in women’s sports. Her longevity, consistency, and impact on the game have made her a legend not only in Indian cricket but also in global women’s cricket. Here’s an in-depth look at her career:
Birth: Mithali Raj was born on December 3, 1982, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
Introduction to Cricket: Mithali began playing cricket at the age of 10. She was introduced to the game through her family, especially influenced by her brother, who was also a cricketer.
National Debut: Mithali made her international debut for India at the age of 16 in 1999 during a One-Day International (ODI) match against Ireland. She scored 14 runs in her debut match. This marked the beginning of her extraordinary career.
First Century: Just two years after her debut, at the age of 18, Mithali scored her first ODI century against Ireland in 2000. This made her the youngest player to score an ODI century at that time.
World Cup Performance (2000): Mithali was a standout performer in the 2000 Women’s Cricket World Cup, held in New Zealand. She scored 114 runs against New Zealand, marking her entry as a top-class player.
Captain of India: Mithali was named captain of the Indian women’s cricket team in 2005, a role she held for many years. Her leadership was instrumental in shaping the team and building its reputation on the international stage.
Women’s Cricket World Cup (2005): Under her leadership, India reached the final of the 2005 Women’s Cricket World Cup. Though India lost to England in the final, it was a landmark achievement for the Indian team, and Mithali was recognized for her leadership skills.
2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup: Mithali’s leadership came to the forefront during the 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup, where India finished as runners-up, losing to England in the final. Mithali’s performance during the tournament, including several match-winning innings, further cemented her status as one of the best women cricketers in the world.
Tests: Mithali played her first Test match in 2002 against England and continued to play sporadically, appearing in a total of 12 Tests throughout her career. Her notable achievement in Tests was her 214 runs against England in 2002, which is one of the highest scores by a woman in Test cricket.
ODIs: Mithali has played over 200 ODIs, making her one of the most capped players in women’s cricket. Her ODI career has been a series of stellar performances, including 7,244 runs and 7 centuries, making her the highest run-scorer in women’s ODIs.
T20Is: Mithali was part of the Indian women’s team in T20 Internationals (T20Is) from the early years of the format, playing in 89 T20Is and scoring 2,364 runs in her T20I career. She continued to be a fixture in India’s T20I line-up until her retirement from the format in 2019.
First to 7,000 Runs in ODIs: Mithali was the first woman to score 7,000 runs in One-Day Internationals, a feat she achieved in 2013.
First to 10,000 Runs: She became the first woman cricketer to surpass 10,000 international runs, which included her runs in ODIs, Tests, and T20Is. This achievement was a testament to her incredible consistency and skill across formats.
Most Runs in Women’s ODIs: With 7,244 runs, Mithali holds the record for the most runs in women’s ODIs, a record she continues to hold.
Padma Bhushan (2015): Mithali was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in recognition of her contribution to Indian cricket.
Padma Shri (2003): She was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2003.
Arjuna Award (2003): Mithali was also honored with the Arjuna Award, which is given to recognize outstanding achievements in sports in India.
ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year: Mithali has been nominated and awarded as the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year multiple times for her exceptional performances on the field.
Mithali announced her retirement from T20 Internationals in 2019 to focus on the longer formats of the game. However, she continued to play in ODIs and Tests until her eventual retirement from all forms of cricket in 2022.
Iconic Figure in Women’s Cricket: Mithali Raj’s career has transcended cricket, and she is now considered an iconic figure in women’s sports. She is one of the most influential women in Indian cricket history and has inspired countless young girls to take up cricket professionally.
Trailblazer for Women’s Cricket: Mithali’s achievements have significantly contributed to the growth of women’s cricket in India. Her success has played a pivotal role in making women’s cricket more visible, with increased media attention, sponsorships, and opportunities for young cricketers.
Mithali Raj’s career, spanning over 22 years, is a story of hard work, dedication, and excellence. Her performances in ODIs, Tests, and T20Is, along with her leadership, have made her one of the most admired figures in cricket. Mithali will always be remembered as one of the greatest women cricketers to have ever played the game.
