Mithali Raj, a name synonymous with women’s cricket, stands as a beacon of achievement and inspiration. Her journey from a young girl with a passion for the game to becoming one of the greatest batters in the history of women’s cricket is truly remarkable.
Wiki/Biography
Mithali Dorai Raj was born on December 3, 1982, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. As of 2023, she is 40 years old. Her zodiac sign is Sagittarius. She attended Keyes High School for Girls in Secunderabad and completed her intermediate studies at Kasturba Gandhi Junior College for Women.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5′ 4″
- Eye Colour: Black
- Hair Colour: Black
Family, Caste & Boyfriend
Mithali hails from a Tamil family. Her father, Dorai Raj, was an Airman (Warrant Officer) in the Indian Air Force and later worked at Andhra Bank. Her mother, Leela Raj, worked with Lawrence and Mayo. She has an elder brother, Mithun Raj.
Career
Mithali’s ODI debut was on June 26, 1999, against Ireland, where she scored an unbeaten 114 runs. Her Test debut followed on January 14, 2002, against South Africa, and her T20 debut on August 5, 2006, against England. She retired from T20 Internationals in September 2019 and from all international cricket in June 2022.
Cricket
- Jersey Number: #3 (India)
- Batting Style: Right-hand bat
- Bowling Style: Legbreak
- Favourite Shot: Cover Drive
She played for various domestic teams including Air India Women, Railways, Asia Women XI, and India Blue Women. Her mentors included Jyoti Prasad, Sampath Kumar, Vinod Sharma, and R. S. R. Murthy.
Controversies
Mithali faced controversies, notably a dispute with the cricket management during the 2018 ICC Women’s World T20. Accusations of bias and disagreements regarding team strategy were publicly aired.
Achievements/Records
Mithali’s accomplishments are numerous and remarkable:
- Highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket
- 2nd highest score in women’s Test cricket (214 runs)
- First woman cricketer to score 7 consecutive half-centuries in ODIs
- First woman to score over 10,000 international runs
- And many more significant milestones throughout her illustrious career.
Awards & Honours
Her achievements have been widely recognized through various awards:
- Arjuna Award (2003)
- Padma Shri (2015)
- Wisden Indian Cricketer of the Year (2015)
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2021)
- Numerous other accolades.
Favourites
| Category | Favourite |
|---|---|
| Cricketer | Michael Clarke, Sachin Tendulkar |
| Food | Thick curds-rice, Prawn Curry |
| Actor | Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan |
| Actress | Priyanka Chopra |
| Book | The Essential Rumi by Coleman Barks |
| Poet | Rumi |
| Dance Form | Bharatanatyam |
Salary
Mithali’s annual earnings were approximately ?50 Lakh.
Facts
Mithali’s journey into cricket was somewhat accidental. Her initial interest stemmed from accompanying her brother to his cricket coaching. Her exceptional talent was recognized early on by her coach, Jyoti Prasad, who saw her potential and guided her career development.
Her dedication and the unwavering support of her family propelled her to the heights of international cricket. She balanced her passion for cricket with her love for dance, showcasing her multifaceted personality.
Mithali’s impact extends beyond her cricketing achievements. She has inspired generations of young girls to pursue their dreams and has become a role model for women in sports across the world. Her story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and the pursuit of excellence.
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