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Mithali Raj

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Mithali Raj is a legendary former cricketer from India. She is widely considered one of the greatest female cricketers of all time. Raj served as the captain of the Indian national team from 2004 to 2022. She is the highest run-scorer in the history of women's international cricket. Because of her incredible skill, she earned the nickname "Lady Tendulkar of Indian Women's cricket." This nickname compares her to a famous master of the sport. She has left a lasting mark on the game through her leadership and batting.

Raj's journey in cricket began when she was only ten years old. She received her initial coaching in elementary school alongside her older brother. She grew up in Hyderabad, Telangana, after being born in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Her father, Dorai Raj, served as a warrant officer in the Indian Air Force. She completed her education at Keyes High School for Girls and Kasturba Gandhi Junior College for Women. These early years of practice helped her develop the discipline needed for professional sports.

Throughout her career, Raj mastered all three major formats of international cricket. These formats are Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODI), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20I). In ODIs, she became the only female cricketer to surpass 7,000 runs. She also holds the record for the most half-centuries in this format. In T20Is, she was the first female cricketer to reach 2,000 runs. Her ability to perform across different styles of play shows her immense versatility.

The President, Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam presenting the Arjuna Award, 2003 to Ms. Mithali Raj at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on 2003 (Low Resolution)
The President, Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam presenting the Arjuna Award, 2003 to Ms. Mithali Raj at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on 2003 (Low Resolution)

Raj's career is defined by many historic milestones and records. She made her ODI debut in 1999 against Ireland in the United Kingdom. During her third Test match in 2002, she scored 214 runs against England. This set a new world record for the highest individual Test score at that time. In July 2021, she broke the record held by Charlotte Edwards. Raj surpassed 10,273 runs to become the player with the most runs in women's international cricket.

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presenting the Padma Shri Award to Ms. Mithali Raj, at a Civil Investiture Ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on April 08, 2015
The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presenting the Padma Shri Award to Ms. Mithali Raj, at a Civil Investiture Ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on April 08, 2015

As a leader, Raj guided the Indian team through several major tournaments. She was the permanent captain of India starting in 2005. She is the only female player to captain India in more than one ICC ODI World Cup final. These finals took place in 2005 and 2017. In the 2017 World Cup, she led the team to the final match. During that tournament, she also set a record by scoring seven consecutive 50s.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind presenting the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, 2021 to Ms. Mithali Raj for Cricket, in a glittering ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on November 13, 2021
The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind presenting the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, 2021 to Ms. Mithali Raj for Cricket, in a glittering ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on November 13, 2021

Her excellence has been recognized with many prestigious national and international awards. In 2003, she received the Arjuna Award. In 2015, she was honored with the Padma Shri, which is India's fourth highest civilian award. In 2017, she was named the Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in the World. Finally, in 2021, she received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna. This is the highest sporting honor in India. These awards celebrate her long dedication to the sport.

Beyond the cricket field, Raj has interests in other cultural areas. She is a practitioner of Bharatanatyam, which is a classical Indian dance. Her life story has also inspired popular culture. A biographical film titled "Shabaash Mithu" was released on 15 July 2022. The film was directed by Srijit Mukherji. Although the movie faced financial difficulties, it aimed to inspire young girls to pursue sports. Raj's legacy continues through her influence on the next generation of athletes.

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🖼️ Images & Media (3)
File:The President, Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam presenting the Arjuna Award, 2003 to Ms. Mithali Raj at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on 2003 (Low Resolution).png
The President, Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam...
File:The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presenting the Padma Shri Award to Ms. Mithali Raj, at a Civil Investiture Ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on April 08, 2015.jpg
The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee...
File:The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind presenting the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, 2021 to Ms. Mithali Raj for Cricket, in a glittering ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on November 13, 2021.jpg
The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind...
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