When it comes to Indian women cricketers, Mithali Raj arguably stands right at the top having played an instrumental role in ensuring that her side is not just about making up numbers. Starting as a little girl in Jodhpur to emerging out at the top of run-getters for women’s international cricket.
Table of Contents
Profile Summary
| Name | Mithali Dorai Raj |
| Date of Birth | December 3, 1982 |
| Age | 41 years old |
| Place of Birth | Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India |
| Family Background | Father: Dorai Raj (Warrant Officer in Indian Air Force) Mother: Leela Raj (Worked in engineering instruments division) Sibling: Mithun Raj (Elder brother, inspired her to play cricket) |
| Education | Keyes High School for Girls, Hyderabad Kasturba Gandhi Junior College for Women, Secunderabad |
Early Life
Mithali Dorai Raj was born on 3 December 1982 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan to a Tamil family. Her father, Dorai Raj who was a warrant officer in the Indian Air Force taught her that discipline and commitment are key traits from an early age. Herlder brother also played cricket, her family including Mithali herself encouraged by this passion with still being a 10 year old then. She was educated at Keyes High School for Girls in Hyderabad, and also attended Kasturba Gandhi Junior Collegefor Women in Secunderabad.
International Career
Mithali made her international debut in 1999, quickly rising through the ranks to become the captain of the Indian women’s national cricket team from 2004 to 2022. Her statistics are remarkable:
- One Day Internationals (WODIs): 7,805 runs (Highest score: 125*)
- Twenty20 Internationals (WT20Is): 2,364 runs (Highest score: 97*)
- Test Matches (WTests): 699 runs (Highest score: 214)
Raj’s career is filled with milestones, including being the first woman to score over 7,000 runs in WODIs and leading India to two ICC ODI World Cup finals in 2005 and 2017. She was also the first female cricketer to reach 2,000 runs in T20 internationals and the first woman to play in 200 ODI matches.
Achievements and Records
Mithali Raj’s illustrious career is adorned with numerous accolades and records:
- Most half-centuries in WODIs (64)
- First player to score seven consecutive fifties in ODIs
- Second most-capped player in ODI history
Her contributions to cricket have been recognized with prestigious awards, including:
- Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in the World (2017)
- Arjuna Award (2003)
- Padma Shri (2015)
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (2021)
Retirement
On June 8, 2022, Mithali Raj retired from all forms of international cricket and it was the end of an era for Indian Women’s Cricket. She continues to be role model for legions of budding cricketers while also standing tall in narratives surrounding women’s cricket.
Personal Life
It is the Bharatanatyam dance, something for which she could have easily pursued a career had it not been cricket that has helped Mithali in her agility on field beyond sporting parameters. Dance used to be her first passion, but she is quick to underline the point that stepping away from it in order fulfil as a cricketer was one of many sacrifices.
Family Background
Mithali belongs to an encouraging family, who by all means have had a massive influence in her roadmap. Her father served in the Indian Air Force, and later worked at Andhra Bank, while her mother Leela Raj became a part of family income by working in an engineering instruments division for Lawrence and Mayo. Her brother Mithun played an important role in Mithali’s introduction to cricket and also he was one of the driving force for her.
In 2024, Mithali Raj is retired and pushing fifty but still hailed as perhaps the greatest female cricketer of all time, in terms of records within women’s international cricket.
The actress to be, and Rumors of Married Life
Many a times now there have been speculations on Mithali and her personal life as well, courtesy the latest being name with fellow cricketer Shikhar Dhawan for their marriage speculation. Dhawan, though has rubbished these claims openly, saying that they are baseless.
The former is now a mentor of Women’s Premier League (WPL) side Gujarat Giants. Her legacy in the cricketing world continues – further evident with her involvement in a Women’s World Cup bid even after retiring from international play this month.
Conclusion
From her debut to switching gears, all of it only spells out wonder and awe; Mithali’s journey is indeed written in gold for perhaps every class cricketer who has ever dreamt wanting the white flannels with Indian colors on them. Not only have her contributions carved a niche for women’s cricket in India but also served as an inspiration to countless future sportswomen following their own dreams, whatever the odds. Her place in the sport’s annals remains with her, as she continues to be a mentor and guiding influence for generations of athletes.
Social Accounts
FAQs-
Did Mithali Raj get married?
No, Mithali Raj is not married. She remains single and has previously expressed that she is happy being so, stating that the idea of marriage no longer crosses her mind.
How rich is Mithali Raj?
Mithali Raj has an estimated net worth of $5 million (approximately ₹41.93 crore). Her wealth primarily comes from her successful cricket career, endorsements, and various media engagements. During her playing career, she earned around ₹30 lakh annually from the BCCI as part of her central contract.
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