India’s finest and greatest female batter has achieved tons of cricketing milestones and records over more than two decades of her career. The women batter started her career in 1996-1999 (Domestic) and began her international cricket journey in 1999. She started playing when she was 10 years old and took cricket coaching in her school days. The highest run-scorer of women’s cricket in the game. Mithali raj is the only Indian women’s men’s cricketer to lead the Indian side to the ODI world cup finals. Her ability to anchor the innings as a top-order batter is incredible. She retired from Indian cricket on 8 June 2022, when she took social media to inform her fans.
Cricket career and achievements
Mithali raj started her domestic cricket career in 1996 and played for teams such as Air India women, Railways, Aisa Women XI, and India Blue women. In 1999, she started her international ODI debut against Ireland and smashed 114 runs. She also played as a player and coach at the same time during her journey. She debuted in Test format, in 2002 against England, but unfortunately got out on duck. In 2005 she was appointed as permanent captain of India in ODI and Test. She holds the record of 7 consecutive half-centuries, the highest run-scorer in all formats for India. Mithali is the only woman to surpass 6000 runs in ODI at the international level. She holds the record of playing most international matches by a female batter.
Personal life
Known as the Sachin Tendulkar of Women’s cricket, Mithali Raj is fond of reading books. Often during matches or off the field, she is seen reading books. According to her mother, Mithali’s interest in cricket started when she started to accompany her brother in cricket coaching at the age of 9. Her first love was Bharatnatyam and dancing, she took classes till 8 and later pursued cricket. In 2017 she appeared in vogue alongside Shahrukh Khan and Nita Ambani. The 39-year-old greatest batter is currently unmarried. A film on her life “Shabbash Mithu” will soon release with Tapsee Pannu playing her role.