Cricketer Mithali Raj: ICC Ranking, Age, Career Info & Stats

Introduction

When a sleepy teenager from Jodhpur was introduced to cricket by her Air Force officer father just to stop her from sleeping late, no one imagined she would transform women's cricket forever.

That teenager was Mithali Raj, a titan in Indian women's cricket whose career spanned over two decades and changed the sport's landscape. As the highest run-scorer in women's international cricket history, with over 10,868 runs across 333 matches, she is a living legend inspiring millions globally.

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Who Is Mithali Raj? - Complete Overview

Born: December 3, 1982
Birthplace: Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Grew up in: Secunderabad, Telangana

Mithali Dorai Raj's journey into cricket began in an unexpected way. Initially indifferent to the sport, cricket became her passion after her father, an Indian Air Force warrant officer, started taking her to training sessions to instill discipline.

Early Life Highlights:

• Trained in Bharatanatyam classical dance for 8 years

• Her grace in dance translated into elegant strokeplay on the field

• Selected for Andhra Pradesh state cricket at age 13

• Made her India debut at just 16 years old

International Debut - The Beginning of an Era

Date: June 25, 1999
Venue: Milton Keynes, England
Opponent: Ireland

At just 16 years old, Mithali Raj announced her arrival on the international stage in spectacular fashion:

• Scored an unbeaten 114 on debut

• Became the youngest ODI centurion in women's cricket history

• Broke partnership records

• Showcased maturity beyond her years

Test Debut

Her Test debut came in 2002 against South Africa at Lucknow. While she initially struggled, she soon established herself by scoring a world-record 214 runs (then highest individual score) against England in the same year.

Career Statistics & Records - By the Numbers

Mithali Raj's career numbers tell a story of incredible consistency and longevity:

Record-Breaking Achievements

• First woman to score seven consecutive ODI fifties

• First woman to play 200 ODIs

• Led India to two ICC World Cup finals (2005 and 2017)

• Highest run-scorer in women's international cricket

Seven Consecutive Fifties - An Unbreakable Record

Between February and June 2017, Mithali achieved something extraordinary: she scored fifties in seven consecutive ODI innings.

This record was set during the World Cup, highlighting her ability to perform at the highest level in critical moments. The consistency under pressure showcased why she's considered one of the greatest batters in women's cricket history.

Leadership Journey

Captain since: 2004

Mithali Raj became India women's cricket team captain in 2004, making history as the first and only captain—male or female—to lead India to two ICC World Cup finals.

Leadership Achievements:

• Led India to World Cup finals in 2005 and 2017

• First-ever Test series wins abroad under her captaincy

• Multiple Asia Cup victories

• Known as "Captain Cool" for her calm leadership style

• Inspired an entire generation of women cricketers

200 ODI Matches Milestone

Date: February 1, 2019

On this historic day, Mithali Raj became the first woman cricketer to play 200 ODI matches. This milestone is a testament to her:

• Exceptional endurance

• Unwavering commitment

• Longevity at the highest level

• Dedication to Indian cricket

Her T20 International Success

In 2018, Mithali reached another milestone by becoming the first Indian cricketer to score 2,000 runs in T20 Internationals, surpassing major male cricketers in this format.

This achievement highlighted her versatility across all formats of the game.

Batting Style - The Textbook Approach

Mithali Raj's batting has been described as the "MCC Coaching Manual in human form."

Her Approach:

• Emphasis on technique over power

• Patience and situational awareness

• Context-driven strike rate philosophy

• Elegant strokeplay

• Match-winning ability in pressure situations

She consistently advocated that winning is about understanding match situations, not just accumulating statistics. Her classical approach proved that technique and temperament triumph over blind aggression.

T20 World Cup 2018 Controversy

Despite her legendary status, Mithali was controversially dropped from the 2018 ICC Women's T20 World Cup semi-final.

The incident shocked the cricket world but ultimately highlighted:

• Her resilience as a player

• Her grace under pressure

• Her unwavering commitment to the team

• Her strong character in Indian cricket history

Personal Life & Legacy

Beyond Cricket:

• Bharatanatyam dancer: Accomplished performer with 8 years of training

• Avid reader: Famous for reading Rumi's poetry before matches to maintain calm

• Advocate for equality: Transformed women's cricket economics

Economic Impact:

Her advocacy for equal pay revolutionized women's cricket finances:

• 2005: ₹1,000 per match

• 2022: ₹6 lakh per match

This dramatic increase reflects the growing recognition and value of women's cricket, largely due to pioneers like Mithali.

Awards & Recognition

Mithali Raj's trophy cabinet is filled with prestigious honors:

• Arjuna Award (2003)

• Padma Shri (2015)

• Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer of the Year (2017)

• Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2021) - India's highest sporting honor

Each award represents not just her individual excellence but her contribution to elevating women's cricket.

Shabaash Mithu Biopic

Release Year: 2022
Starring: Taapsee Pannu

The biopic "Shabaash Mithu" chronicles Mithali's inspiring journey from a sleepy teenager to a cricket legend. The film brought her remarkable story to a wider audience, underscoring her impact far beyond the cricket field.

Net Worth & Impact

Estimated Net Worth: ₹45 crores

Her wealth reflects:

• Sporting success and achievements

• Influence as a role model

• Brand endorsements

• Impact as a mentor

Current Role:

Mithali remains active in cricket as:

• Cricket consultant

• Commentator

• Mentor to young players

• Advocate for women's cricket growth

Conclusion

Mithali Raj's career is a masterclass in excellence, longevity, and leadership in women's cricket.

Her records speak volumes:

• 10,868+ international runs

• Two World Cup finals as captain

• First woman to play 200 ODIs

• Seven consecutive ODI fifties

But beyond the numbers, her legacy lies in:

• Inspiring millions of young girls

• Transforming the economics of women's cricket

• Proving that grace and technique can dominate

• Leading with dignity and composure

Mithali Raj hasn't just altered India's cricket landscape—she has permanently elevated women's cricket globally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Mithali Raj?

Mithali Raj is India's legendary women's cricket captain and the highest run-scorer in women's international cricket history with over 10,868 runs across 333 matches.

What is Mithali Raj's highest score?

Her highest Test score is 214 runs against England, which was a world record at the time.

How many matches did Mithali Raj play?

She played 333 international matches: 12 Tests, 232 ODIs, and 89 T20Is.

When did Mithali Raj retire?

Mithali Raj announced her retirement from international cricket in June 2022.

Did Mithali Raj win a World Cup?

While she led India to two World Cup finals (2005 and 2017), India finished as runners-up in both tournaments.

What awards did Mithali Raj receive?

She received the Arjuna Award (2003), Padma Shri (2015), Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer (2017), and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2021).

What is Mithali Raj's net worth?

Her estimated net worth is approximately ₹45 crores.

Is there a movie about Mithali Raj?

Yes, "Shabaash Mithu" (2022) starring Taapsee Pannu chronicles her inspiring journey.