Mithali Raj, one of the most celebrated figures in women’s cricket, has made remarkable contributions to the sport over her extensive career.
This article delves into her journey from her early life to her retirement, highlighting her achievements, records, and personal life.
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Early Life and Education
On December 3, 1982, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India, Mithali Dorai Raj was born. She grew up in a Tamil family and later moved to Secunderabad, where she completed her schooling at Keyes High School for Girls and Kasturba Gandhi Junior College for Women. Mithali’s father, Dorai Raj, was an airman in the Indian Air Force, which influenced her disciplined upbringing. She began playing cricket at the age of 10, initially training with her elder brother.
Cricket Career
Debuts and Milestones
Mithali made her One-Day International (ODI) debut on June 26, 1999, against Ireland, scoring an impressive 114 not out. She followed this with her Test debut on January 14, 2002, against South Africa, where she made headlines by scoring 214 runs, breaking the record for the highest individual score in women’s Test cricket at that time.
Her T20 International debut came later, on August 5, 2006, against England. Over her career, she became the first woman to score over 6000 runs in ODIs and is the highest run-scorer in women’s cricket history.
Captaincy and Achievements
Mithali served as the captain of the Indian women’s cricket team for many years, leading them to the finals of the Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2005 and 2017. Under her leadership, India achieved significant milestones, including their first Test series win in England in 2006 and consecutive Asia Cup victories.
Her accolades include:
- ODI Matches: 232, with 7 centuries and 64 half-centuries.
- T20I Matches: 89, scoring 2364 runs.
- Test Matches: 12, with a highest score of 214.
- Awards: Arjuna Award (2003), Padma Shri (2015), Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2021).
Retirement and Legacy
On June 8, 2022, Mithali announced her retirement from all formats of cricket. Her contributions have significantly influenced the popularity of women’s cricket in India, inspiring a new generation of players.
Personal Life and Investments
Mithali Raj is currently unmarried and has not publicly disclosed any relationships. Apart from cricket, she is a trained Bharatanatyam dancer and enjoys reading.
She has also ventured into brand endorsements, representing various companies, which contribute to her estimated net worth of around $4 million.
Conclusion
Mithali Raj’s journey in cricket is not just a story of personal achievement but also a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes, particularly women in sports. Her dedication and skill have left an indelible mark on the game, making her a true icon of Indian cricket.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What records does Mithali Raj hold in cricket?
A1: Mithali Raj holds multiple records, including being the highest run-scorer in women’s ODIs and the first woman to score over 6000 runs in ODIs.
Q2: When did Mithali Raj retire from international cricket?
A2: Mithali Raj announced her retirement from international cricket on June 8, 2022.
Q3: Has Mithali Raj ever been a captain of the Indian women’s cricket team?
A3: Yes, Mithali Raj has served as the captain of the Indian women’s cricket team for several years, leading them to notable achievements.
Q4: What are Mithali Raj’s contributions outside of cricket?
A4: Apart from her cricket career, Mithali Raj is also known for her dance skills and has been involved in various brand endorsements.
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