Mithali Raj: Biography, Career, Records, Legacy
Introduction: The Icon Who Changed Indian Women’s Cricket Forever
Mithali Raj — the name that redefined Indian women’s cricket. From a young prodigy scoring a century on debut to becoming the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket, Mithali’s journey is a story of patience, power, and purpose. For over two decades, she carried Indian women’s cricket on her shoulders, breaking barriers and creating records that inspired millions of girls to dream beyond boundaries.
👤 Personal Profile of Mithali Raj
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mithali Dorai Raj |
| Date of Birth | 3 December 1982 |
| Age (2025) | 42 years |
| Birthplace | Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Father’s Name | Dorai Raj (Indian Air Force) |
| Mother’s Name | Leela Raj |
| Height | 5′4″ (1.63 m) |
| Education | Keyes High School for Girls, Hyderabad; Kasturba Gandhi Junior College, Secunderabad |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Nickname | “Mithu” |
| Profession | Cricketer (Former India Captain) |
🏏 Professional Journey & Career Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Playing Role | Right-hand batter, occasional leg-break bowler |
| Batting Style | Classical technique with anchor role |
| International Career | 1999 – 2022 (23 years) |
| ODI Debut | 26 June 1999 vs Ireland – scored 114* aged 16 years 205 days |
| Test Debut | 14 January 2002 vs England |
| T20I Debut | 5 August 2006 vs England |
| Total Matches Played | Tests: 12 ODIs: 232 T20Is: 89 |
| Total Runs (approx) | 10,868 runs across formats – highest ever by a woman cricketer |
| Highest Test Score | 214 vs England (2002) – only Indian woman to score a double century |
| ODI Average | 50.68 – one of the highest in women’s ODIs |
| Captaincy Record | Led India in 155 ODIs with 89 wins – most by any female captain |
| World Cups Played | 6 (2000, 2005, 2009, 2013, 2017, 2022) |
| Major Achievements | • Most 50+ scores (88) in women’s cricket • First Indian woman to cross 10,000 international runs • Youngest centurion on debut • Longest career span in women’s cricket (23 years) |
| Retirement | 8 June 2022 – ended a historic career |
| Honours & Awards | Arjuna Award (2003), Padma Shri (2015), Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (2021) |
🌍 Mithali Raj’s Impact & Legacy
Mithali Raj isn’t just a cricketer — she’s an institution. Her leadership transformed the face of Indian women’s cricket, taking the team to two World Cup finals (2005 & 2017). Her calm demeanor and elegant batting technique made her one of the most respected figures in international cricket.
Her influence extended far beyond the pitch:
- She inspired an entire generation of young Indian girls to pick up a bat.
- She advocated for equality and professionalism in women’s sports.
- A stand and gate were named after her at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam (2025).
- Her life inspired the Bollywood biopic Shabaash Mithu (2022), starring Taapsee Pannu.
Even after retirement, Mithali continues mentoring the next generation and working to develop grassroots women’s cricket in India.
🗣 “I wanted to give young girls the hope that they can make a career in cricket.”
— Mithali Raj
🧩 Interesting Facts You Might Not Know
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Youngest centurion | Scored 114* on debut at 16 years old vs Ireland (1999). |
| Most World Cups | Represented India in 6 World Cups – more than any other Indian cricketer (male or female). |
| Longest career span | Played 23 years for India — from 1999 to 2022. |
| Major Biopic | Subject of film Shabaash Mithu (2022). |
| Mentor Role | Post-retirement, she advises and mentors India’s domestic and under-19 players. |
| Named Honour | 2025 — “Mithali Raj Stand” at ACA-VDCA Stadium (Vizag). |
🏆 Awards & Recognition
- Arjuna Award (2003)
- Padma Shri (2015)
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (2021)
- ICC Women’s Cricket Hall of Fame Nominee (2023)
- Mithali Raj Stand – ACA-VDCA Stadium (2025)
💬 Conclusion
Mithali Raj isn’t just a record-breaker — she’s a revolutionary figure who made women’s cricket a national conversation in India. Her career embodies discipline, dedication, and dreams that changed the sport forever.
Her legacy continues to shape the future of Indian women’s cricket — in every young girl who now believes she can lead India one day.
