Mithali Raj is one of the greatest players in women’s cricket history, admired for her consistency, calm approach and long career representing India at the highest level.

Mithali Raj played a key role in building Indian women’s cricket into a competitive force, delivering match-winning performances across formats and inspiring a new generation of young players to take up the sport.

Her elegant batting style, strong temperament and leadership qualities made her a dependable figure in the team, helping India achieve historic milestones in global tournaments and bilateral series over many years.

Early Life and Background

Mithali Raj was born on 3 December 1982 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan and later grew up in Hyderabad, where she began her journey in cricket at a very young age.

Her early life was shaped by discipline and strong family support, especially from her father, who encouraged her to pursue cricket seriously and helped her balance education with regular training sessions.

Before focusing fully on cricket, she also trained in classical dance, which helped build concentration and body control, but she eventually chose cricket as her main career path and dedicated herself completely.

Domestic Career Journey

Mithali Raj started her domestic career at a young age, representing Andhra and later Railways, where she consistently performed with the bat and gained attention for her ability to score big runs.

Her performances in domestic cricket showed her ability to play long innings, handle pressure and anchor the team, which helped her earn a place in the national side early in her career.

Domestic cricket played a major role in shaping her game, giving her the experience needed to face international bowlers and develop the patience and temperament required for long formats.

International Career Growth

Mithali Raj made her ODI debut in 1999 and immediately impressed with a century, setting the tone for a long and successful international career filled with remarkable achievements.

She became a regular member of the Indian team, contributing consistently in ODIs and Tests and later became one of the most reliable batters in women’s cricket across formats.

Her ability to adapt to different match situations and conditions made her a valuable asset, helping India secure important victories against strong international teams over many years.

Leadership and Captaincy Impact

Mithali Raj served as captain of the Indian women’s team for many years, leading with calmness and clarity while guiding young players and building a strong team culture.

Under her leadership, India reached the finals of major tournaments, including the ICC Women’s World Cup, showcasing her ability to manage pressure and lead from the front with consistent performances.

Her captaincy style focused on stability, discipline and strategic thinking, which helped the team improve steadily and compete confidently against top cricketing nations around the world.

Batting Style and Strengths

Mithali Raj was a technically sound batter who relied on timing, placement and patience rather than power, making her one of the most dependable players in long innings.

Her ability to rotate strike and build partnerships allowed the team to stay stable in difficult situations, especially in ODIs where she often anchored the innings effectively.

She had a strong defensive technique combined with smart shot selection, enabling her to perform consistently across different pitches and conditions throughout her long international career.

Major Records and Achievements

Career Highlights Overview:

• Highest run scorer in women’s ODI cricket
• First woman to score over 7000 ODI runs
• Led India to World Cup finals twice
• Among the longest serving players in international cricket

Mithali Raj achieved several milestones that placed her among the legends of the game, setting records that remained benchmarks for future generations of women cricketers around the world.

Her consistency over two decades made her a role model and her records reflected not just talent but also dedication, discipline and a deep understanding of the game.

ICC Tournaments Performance

World Cup Contributions:

• Played multiple ICC Women’s World Cups
• Key player in India’s 2005 campaign
• Led team to 2017 World Cup final
• Consistent run scorer in global events

Mithali Raj delivered important performances in ICC tournaments, helping India reach significant stages and compete strongly against top teams with her experience and calm batting approach.

Her presence in major tournaments brought stability to the batting lineup, making her one of the most reliable players in high-pressure matches over the years.

Key Career Moments

Historic Double Century

Mithali Raj scored a double century in Test cricket, which remains one of the highest individual scores in women’s Tests and highlighted her ability to play long and patient innings.

ODI Debut Century

She started her international career with a century on debut, which immediately established her as a promising player and set the foundation for her future success in international cricket.

2017 World Cup Journey

During the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup, Mithali Raj played a crucial role in leading India to the final, inspiring millions with her leadership and consistent performances.

Longest Career Span

Her international career spanned over two decades, making her one of the most experienced players in the game and a symbol of longevity and dedication in cricket history.

Personal Life and Off Field Influence

Mithali Raj maintained a disciplined lifestyle, focusing on fitness and continuous improvement, which helped her sustain a long and successful career in international cricket.

Apart from cricket, she showed interest in dance and reading, reflecting her balanced personality and ability to manage both professional and personal interests effectively.

She also played a major role in promoting women’s cricket in India, inspiring young girls to take up the sport and believe in their potential to succeed at the highest level.