Milestones are celebrated, legacies are remembered, and Mithali Raj continues to inspire generations long after her final international innings. Regarded as one of the greatest batters in the history of women’s cricket, she remains a beacon of excellence, grace, and power.
Her journey has not only shaped Indian cricket but has redefined what’s possible for every young girl who dreams with a bat in hand.
Summary
More than two decades. More than ten thousand international runs. And one unshakable belief is that women’s cricket deserves its throne. As Mithali Raj steps into 2025, her influence only grows stronger. From global records to iconic captaincy moments, she continues to guide Indian cricket’s future through leadership roles and developmental initiatives. A pioneer then. A role model forever.
Key Career Milestones
From debuting at 16 to rewriting the history of world cricket, Mithali’s achievements define consistency, determination, and class.
| Format | Achievements / Highlights |
| Test Cricket | 12 Matches |
| ODI Cricket | 232 Matches |
| T20 Internationals | 89 Matches |
| World Cups | Played in 6 World Cups |
| Captaincy | Most matches as captain in women’s ODIs |
Additional milestones
- First Indian woman to cross 10,000 international runs
- Among the longest careers in world cricket, from 1999 to 2022
- A significant reason behind women’s cricket gaining mainstream recognition in India
Top Performers & Statistics
Mithali Raj’s numbers stand tall as a testament to her class.
| Metric | Value |
| International Runs | 10,273 |
| ODI Batting Average | 50.68 |
| International Career Span | 23 Years |
| Highest Test Score | 214 |
| Total Matches as Captain | 155+ (all formats combined) |
Her ODI average above 50 speaks volumes about her unmatched consistency. Whether chasing under pressure or anchoring the innings, Mithali embodied calm and control. At a time when women’s cricket lacked the limelight it deserved, she rose above every limitation with sheer performance.
Global Recognition & Reactions
Across continents, fans and legends praise Mithali Raj for being the face of women’s cricket in India. From receiving prestigious honours like:
- Arjuna Award (2003)
- Padma Shri (2015)
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (2021)
Celebrated in schools, the media, and world cricket platforms, her influence reaches far beyond stadiums.
Her story even made it to the big screen with the biopic Shabaash Mithu, reflecting how her rise became a cultural movement. Social media continues to hail her as the Queen of Indian Cricket, a title earned through sweat, steel, and self-belief.
What’s Next for Mithali Raj?
Retirement in 2022 only opened a new chapter.
Mithali now channels her experience into shaping a stronger next generation. From developmental cricket programs to potential coaching and mentoring roles, her journey continues to build the foundation she once carried on her shoulders.
She is more visible in cricket administration, television presentations, and collaborations that advocate for growth in women’s sports. Every role she steps into reinforces one message: the future deserves the support she never had.
Key Takeaways
- Highest run-scorer in the history of women’s ODIs
- One of the longest-serving captains in world cricket
- Guided India to two ICC Women’s World Cup finals
- A pioneer whose legacy transformed women’s cricket’s status in India
- An everlasting inspiration for young female athletes
Conclusion
Mithali Raj’s career is not merely a collection of records; it is a narrative of courage, trailblazing leadership, and a battle for representation. For more than two decades, she carried the hopes of a nation that was learning to acknowledge its women in sport. Today, her influence continues to shape dreams, opportunities, and the direction of women’s cricket.
Mithali Raj didn’t just play the game. She changed the way India looks at it. The Queen may have stepped away from the pitch, but her legacy stands on every scoreboard, every headline, and every young girl who picks up a bat believing she can conquer the world.
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