Born: 1982 (Jodhpur, Rajasthan)
Biography:
Mithali Dorai Raj, born on December 3, 1982, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, is an Indian cricketer and former captain of the India women’s national cricket team. She held the captaincy from 2004 to 2022, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Mithali is widely regarded as one of the greatest female cricketers of all time and has amassed several records and accolades during her illustrious career.
Mithali’s journey in cricket began at the tender age of ten, when she started playing the sport. With the support of her parents, especially her father, Dorai Raj, who served as a warrant officer in the Indian Air Force, she pursued her passion and excelled in the game. Mithali’s dedication and commitment to cricket were evident from her early years.
Mithali Raj received her cricket coaching during elementary school, where she trained alongside her older brother. Her talent and proficiency in the game soon caught the attention of selectors, and at the age of fourteen, she was named among the probables for the 1997 Women’s Cricket World Cup. Although she missed out on making it to the final squad, it was a testament to her skills and potential at such a young age.
In 1999, Mithali made her One Day International (ODI) debut, marking the beginning of her international career. She quickly became an integral part of the Indian women’s cricket team, showcasing her batting prowess and reliability in crucial matches. Mithali’s consistent performances earned her a reputation as a dependable run-scorer and a leader on the field.
In 2005, Mithali Raj was appointed as the permanent captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, solidifying her position as a leader. This honor made her the only female player to have captained India in more than one International Cricket Council ODI World Cup final, achieving this feat twice in 2005 and 2017. Her captaincy was characterized by strategic acumen, composure under pressure, and an unwavering commitment to the team’s success.
Mithali has left an indelible mark on the record books of women’s international cricket. She is the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket, surpassing the 7,000-run mark in Women’s One Day Internationals (ODIs). Her ability to score consistently earned her the distinction of being the first player to achieve seven consecutive half-centuries in ODIs, and she holds the record for the most half-centuries in Women’s ODIs.
The year 2017 brought further recognition for Mithali Raj when she was awarded the prestigious Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in the World title. She also received the Arjuna Award in 2003, the Padma Shri in 2015, and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna in 2021, adding to her list of national and international accolades.
Throughout her career, Mithali represented India in all three formats of the game: Test, ODI, and T20. In June 2018, during the Women’s Twenty20 Asia Cup, she became the first Indian player to score 2,000 runs in T20 Internationals (T20Is), setting yet another record. In 2019, she became the first woman to complete 20 years in international cricket, a testament to her longevity and unwavering commitment to the sport.
On July 8, 2021, Mithali Raj surpassed Charlotte Edwards’ record of 10,273 runs to become the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket, further solidifying her place in cricket history. Mithali continued to shine, demonstrating her skill and resilience on the field.
On June 8, 2022, Mithali Raj announced her retirement from all formats of international cricket, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned over two decades. Her contributions to the sport, both on and off the field, have been monumental, and she will forever be remembered as one of the greatest cricketers in the history of women’s cricket.
Awards:
– Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in the World (2017)
– Arjuna Award (2003)
– Padma Shri (2015)
– Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (2021)