December 3 marked a special day for Indian cricket as Mithali Raj, one of the most iconic figures in women’s cricket, celebrated her 42nd birthday. Tributes and well-wishes poured in from all corners of the cricketing world, reflecting her immense impact on the sport. Two heartfelt messages stood out: a warm post from her former teammate Jhulan Goswami and a tribute from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), celebrating Mithali’s incredible career.
Jhulan Goswami’s Heartfelt Message
Jhulan Goswami, a long-time teammate and friend of Mithali Raj, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her admiration for the former Indian captain. Sharing a memorable picture of the duo, Jhulan penned an emotional note: To my dear friend and cricket legend, whom I deeply love and admire—both on and off the field, you’ve always been an inspiration. Happy Birthday!
The bond between Jhulan and Mithali has been a cornerstone of Indian women’s cricket for nearly two decades. Together, they led India to numerous victories, with Mithali anchoring the batting and Jhulan spearheading the bowling attack. Their camaraderie, mutual respect, and shared dedication to the game continue to inspire upcoming cricketers.
BCCI’s Tribute to Mithali Raj
The BCCI also marked the occasion by celebrating Mithali’s unparalleled achievements on their social media platforms. They highlighted her illustrious career, which has left an indelible mark on women’s cricket. The post read: Mithali Raj has played 333 international matches, scored 10,868 runs, holds the record for most appearances in Women’s ODIs, and is the highest run-scorer in the format. Happy birthday to the former India captain and one of the greatest players ever! Wishing you happiness and continued success. Keep making us proud, @M_Raj03!
These staggering numbers are a testament to Mithali’s consistency and excellence over her 23-year career. Her contributions have not only brought glory to Indian cricket but have also played a pivotal role in raising the profile of women’s cricket globally.
Mithali Raj: A Trailblazer in Women’s Cricket
Mithali Raj’s journey in cricket began at a time when women’s cricket was far from the limelight it enjoys today. Making her debut at the age of 16, Mithali scored a century in her first ODI in 1999, signaling the arrival of a prodigious talent. Over the years, she became the backbone of India’s batting lineup, known for her technical brilliance, calm demeanor, and unmatched dedication.
Career Highlights:
- Most Matches in Women’s ODIs:
Mithali holds the record for the most appearances in Women’s ODIs, having represented India in 232 matches. - Leading Run-Scorer in Women’s ODIs:
With 7,805 runs to her name, Mithali is the highest run-scorer in Women’s ODI history, a record that underscores her dominance in the format. - Consistency Across Formats:
In 12 Tests, Mithali amassed 699 runs at an average of 43.68, including a double century against England in 2002. In T20Is, she scored 2,364 runs, becoming India’s leading run-scorer in the format before retiring in 2019. - Captaining India:
Mithali led India in 155 ODI matches, the most by any player, and took the team to the finals of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2005 and 2017.
Beyond Numbers
Mithali’s influence extends far beyond her records. She has been a vocal advocate for the growth and recognition of women’s cricket, inspiring a new generation of players. Her composure on and off the field earned her the nickname “The Lady Tendulkar of Indian Cricket.”
Legacy and Retirement
Mithali Raj retired from international cricket in June 2022, leaving behind a legacy unmatched in Indian cricket. Post-retirement, she has continued to contribute to the game, mentoring young players and promoting the sport.
Her contributions were recognized with numerous awards, including the Arjuna Award (2003), Padma Shri (2015), and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2021).
A Celebration of Excellence
As Mithali Raj celebrates her 42nd birthday, fans, teammates, and cricket enthusiasts around the world reflect on her stellar career and the inspiration she continues to provide. Her journey from a young girl with a dream to one of the greatest cricketers of all time is a story of perseverance, skill, and unmatched dedication.
