Mithali Raj

Biography

Mithali Dorai Raj, born on December 3, 1982, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, is arguably the most influential figure in the history of Indian women's cricket. A right-handed top-order batter and occasional right-arm leg-break bowler, Mithali redefined consistency and longevity, becoming a trailblazer for generations of female cricketers in India and across the globe.

Early Life and Cricket Journey

Mithali's cricketing journey began at a remarkably young age, with her passion for the sport emerging alongside a talent for classical dance (Bharatanatyam). She eventually chose cricket, a decision that proved to be a turning point for Indian women's cricket. She trained rigorously and quickly rose through the ranks in domestic cricket, representing Railways and various state teams.

International Career: A Record-Breaking Saga

Mithali Raj made her One Day International (ODI) debut for India in 1999 at the tender age of 16, scoring an unbeaten 114 runs against Ireland. Her Test debut followed in 2002. Over a career spanning an astonishing 23 years – one of the longest in international cricket, male or female – Mithali accumulated a plethora of records and became the bedrock of India's batting lineup.

Key highlights and records of her illustrious career include:

• Highest Run-Scorer in Women's International Cricket: Mithali holds the record for the most runs scored by any woman cricketer in international cricket across all formats, surpassing 10,868 runs.
•  
• Leading Run-Scorer in Women's ODIs: She is the highest run-getter in Women's One Day Internationals (WODIs) with 7,805 runs, and the only female cricketer to surpass the 7,000-run mark.
•  
• Most Matches in ODIs: Mithali has played the most ODIs (232 matches) in women's cricket history.
•  
• Most Fifties in ODIs: She holds the record for the most half-centuries in WODIs, with 64. She also achieved the unique feat of scoring seven consecutive fifties in ODIs.
•  
• Double Century in Tests: In 2002, at just 19 years old, she became the first Indian woman and then held the world record for the highest individual Test score with 214 runs against England.
•  
• Captaincy Laurels: Mithali captained India in a record 155 ODIs, leading them to two ICC Women's Cricket World Cup finals (2005 and 2017) – a unique achievement for any Indian captain, male or female. She also led India to their first-ever Test series victory in England in 2006.
•  
• Only player to feature in six ODI World Cups: She played in World Cups from 2000 to 2022, a remarkable feat of longevity and continued performance.
•  

Mithali announced her retirement from all forms of international cricket on June 8, 2022, bringing down the curtain on an era that saw her transform the visibility and stature of women's cricket in India.

Awards and Post-Retirement Contributions

Mithali Raj's contributions to cricket have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards:

• Arjuna Award: 2003
• Padma Shri: 2015 (India's fourth-highest civilian award)
• Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in the World: 2017
• Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award: 2021 (India's highest sporting honor)
•  

After retirement, Mithali has remained actively involved in the sport. She has taken on mentorship roles, notably with the Gujarat Giants in the Women's Premier League (WPL), and a consultancy role with the Andhra Cricket Association, focusing on nurturing young talent.

Mithali Raj's journey is a testament to perseverance, skill, and an unwavering commitment to the game. 

She not only excelled as a player but also inspired a generation, breaking down barriers and elevating women's cricket to new heights in India. Her legacy extends beyond statistics, embodying the spirit of determination and the power of dreams.