Mithali Raj: The queen of cricket who transformed the game

Mithali Raj: the queen of cricket

Cricket has its legends — Tendulkar, Kohli, Dhoni — men whose names are etched into the sport’s history. But in women’s cricket, one name stands above the rest, not just for her records, but for what she changed.

She started her career when women’s cricket wasn’t so popular and sponsors were indifferent to this sport. But then it started to change.

So, why is she called the Queen of Cricket? The answer isn’t just in the numbers, though they are staggering. First of all, Rai is the highest run-scorer in women’s ODIs and is the first to breach the 7,000-run mark. Secondly, she has even consecutive fifty-plus scores in ODIs. But not only stats are important but the impact she made in the perception of this women’s sport.

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Young age and breaking into professional cricket

Mithali Raj was born on 3 December 1982 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

Most cricketing legends spend their childhood perfecting cover drives and dreaming of sold-out stadiums. But Mithali Raj wanted to dance.

Before she ever gripped a bat, Mithali was immersed in Bharatanatyam, moving to the rhythm of tradition rather than the bounce of a cricket ball. She trained for years, with every step precise, every movement deliberate—until, one day, this sport found her.

She was ten, just tagging along with her brother to practice. A bat was placed in her hands. A few swings later, coach Sampath Kumar had seen enough. This wasn’t just a kid playing cricket — this was raw, undeniable talent. He told her to take the sport seriously. And just like that, the trajectory of her life shifted.

At an age when most kids worried about homework, Mithali was training with boys, toughening up against faster deliveries and sharper fielding. By thirteen, she wasn’t just competing — she was outplaying them. She balanced school at Keyes High School for Girls and later Kasturba Gandhi Junior College, but her real education happened on the pitch, in the relentless grind of practice sessions.

Her breakthrough came when she joined Indian Railways' women’s team, one of the most dominant forces in this domestic sport. Surrounded by some of the best players in the country, she honed her technique, sharpened her instincts, and prepared for the next step — a leap onto the international stage that would change Indian women’s cricket forever.

Playing alongside established stars like Anjum Chopra, Purnima Rau, and Anju Jain, Mithali quickly made a name for herself. The young prodigy was ready for the international stage, and it wasn't long before she received her first India cap.

International debuts and rise of career

When Raj was 14 she was chosen to be a probable for the Women’s Cricket World Cup in 1997 but didn’t manage to make it to the final squad. Her ODIdebut happened on June 26 1999 against Ireland. 

Afterwards she scored an unbeaten 114 runs, becoming one of the few players in history to score a century on debut.

Raj made her Test debut against South Africa in the 2001/2002 season which was played in India. This innings proved that she wasn’t just an ODI specialist — she could dominate any format of the game.

This remarkable feat was just the beginning. Her elegant batting style, remarkable patience, and ability to anchor innings made her one of the most dependable batters in world cricket.

Major Achievements and Records

Batting Records and Milestones

Mithali Raj set many records during her career. Here are some of her most significant achievements.

She is the first woman cricketer to play on international level for more than 20 years and is the highest run-scorer in women's ODIs having 7,805 runs. Nobody has it broken this record yet.

In 2002, at the age of 19, she scored double century (214) in a Test match against England, breaking the record for the highest individual score in women’s Test cricket at the time. 

For now Raj holds the record for most fifties (64) in women’s ODIs.

Leadership and Captaincy

Mithali was not just a great batter — she was a leader. She was appointed captain of the Indian team and held this role for nearly two decades — from 2004 to 2022. Under her leadership, India achieved unprecedented success in women’s cricket:

• 2005 Women’s World Cup Final – She led India to its first-ever World Cup final, a milestone that changed the perception of women's cricket in India.
• 2017 Women’s World Cup Final – Her tactical sense helped India reach the final again.
• Most matches captained in women's ODIs – 155 games.

Her leadership style was calm, composed, and tactical. She was known for mentoring young cricketers and instilling confidence in her teammates. Thanks to her, Indian women’s cricket witnessed a revolutionary transformation, gaining massive support and recognition.

Awards and Recognitions

For her immense contributions to cricket, Mithali Raj received several prestigious awards, including:

1. Arjuna Award (2003) – India’s highest sporting honor.
2. Padma Shri (2015) – India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
3. Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in the World (2017) – First Indian woman to receive this title.
4. BBC 100 Women Award – Recognition among the most influential women globally.
5. Youth Sports Icon of Excellence Award – Honoring her role as an inspiration for young athletes.

Mithali Raj's Career Stats

Mithali Raj’s Impact on Women’s Cricket

When the question who is the queen of cricket is asked, the answer is obvious — Mithali Raj. But her greatness goes beyond statistics. She changed the face of women's cricket, not just in India but across the world.

Before Mithali Raj, women’s cricket in India was little more than an afterthought. Matches were played in near-empty stadiums, media coverage was scarce, and young girls who dreamed of playing professionally had no roadmap to follow. This sport, at least in India, was a men’s game.

Then came Mithali and changed everything. When she debuted in the late '90s, women’s cricket in India barely had the infrastructure to sustain itself.

But something changed in 2017. India’s run to the Women’s World Cup final, led by Mithali, was a watershed moment. Millions of people — many watching women’s cricket for the first time — were hooked. Sponsors lined up and broadcasters took notice, the sport had a new audience.

The numbers tell the story: the final against England at Lord’s drew over 180 million viewers globally — an all-time high for a women’s cricket match. The Indian team didn’t win the trophy that day, but they won something bigger — legitimacy in the eyes of the public.

Moreover, Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, Shafali Verma — three of India’s biggest stars today — have all credited Mithali as their inspiration.

The Semi-Final Snub That Rocked Indian Cricket

For all her achievements, Mithali’s career was not without its share of storms. And no moment was more shocking—more openly contentious — than the 2018 T20 World Cup semi-final against England.

Mithali was in red-hot form, having scored two match-winning fifties earlier in the tournament. She was India’s most experienced batter, the one player who had seen every possible game situation and could absorb pressure like no one else. Then, just hours before the biggest match of the tournament, she was told she wouldn’t be playing.

The decision — made by coach Ramesh Powar and captain Harmanpreet Kaur—sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. Why would you bench your most reliable performer in a knockout game? Fans were furious. Experts were baffled. And when India crashed out with a crushing defeat, the backlash was immediate.

The Fallout: A War of Words

The controversy didn’t end when the match did. What followed was an ugly, public feud that shook Indian women’s cricket.

Mithali accused Powar of humiliating her, of making her feel unwanted in a team she had carried for nearly two decades. She claimed she had been informed of her exclusion only after the warm-up—an act she saw as deliberate disrespect.

Powar fired back. He called Mithali “difficult to manage.” He painted her as a player who put herself above the team. The lines were drawn, and Indian cricket found itself in the middle of a bitter divide.

The backlash forced the BCCI to intervene. Powar was removed as head coach (though he later returned in 2021). The controversy raised serious questions about team dynamics, leadership decisions, and how senior players should be treated.

Through it all, Mithali Raj did what she always did: she moved forward. She let others argue about politics and power struggles. She focused on the game. And that, more than anything, is what defines her legacy—not the controversies, not the clashes, but the unshakable, relentless pursuit of excellence.

Because at the end of the day, cricket didn’t define Mithali Raj. She defined this sport.

Despite this, Mithali chose not to engage in unnecessary drama and continued to play and score runs.

Retirement and life after cricket

Stepping Away from T20s

In 2019, she retired from T20Is to focus on ODIs and Tests. Despite being India’s highest run-scorer in the format, she acknowledged that the game was evolving and made way for younger players.

Final Goodbye in 2022

On June 8, 2022, Mithali officially retired from all formats, marking the end of an era. Her farewell message was heartfelt.

Raj said that she was feeling it was the perfect time to call curtains on her playing career, as the team was in capable hands, and the future of Indian women’s cricket was bright.

Though she left the field, she did not leave the game.

Mentorship and Future Contributions

Mithali’s love for this type of sport didn’t end with her retirement. She transitioned into a mentor role, guiding young players and shaping the future of Indian women’s cricket.

She has also been actively involved in cricket administration, advocating for better facilities, contracts, and visibility for women in this sport.

To summarize thanks to Mithali Raj made women’s cricket became a sport no less popular than played by men. If at the beginning neither spectators nor sponsors were interested in it, then later this changed. In 2017 when the Women’s World Cup took place the final against England attracted over 180 million viewers.

Other players, for example, Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, Shafali Verma learned a lot from Mithali.

Even though Mithali finished her career in 2022, she continues to mentor young players and makes a lot for women taking part in cricket administration and promoting the game.

FAQ

1. Who is the Queen of Cricket?

Mithali Raj is widely regarded as the "Queen of Cricket" due to her exceptional achievements and contributions to this sport among women.

2. How did Mithali Raj start playing cricket?

Mithali initially trained in Bharatanatyam before discovering cricket at age 10. Her coach, Sampath Kumar, recognized her exceptional talent and encouraged her to take the sport seriously. She trained rigorously, playing alongside boys, which helped her develop her skills and toughness.

3. Who is the Queen of Cricket in India?

Mithali Raj is known as the "Queen of Cricket in India," holding numerous records and leading the national team for years.

4. What are Mithali Raj's most significant records?

Mithali is the first woman to play international cricket for over 20 years. She also is the highest run-scorer in women's ODIs having 7,805 runs. and has the most fifties in ODIs (64).

Moreover, Raj got double centuries in Tests (214 vs England in 2002) and has the most matches captained in women's ODIs (155).

5. What impact did Mithali Raj have on Indian women's cricket?

Mithali Raj revolutionized women’s cricket in India by bringing it into the limelight. She led India to two Women’s World Cup finals (2005, 2017), inspiring a new generation of cricketers like Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur. Thanks to her efforts, women's cricket gained massive popularity, media coverage, and sponsorships.

6. How did Mithali Raj contribute to the 2017 Women’s World Cup?

Mithali led India to the final of the 2017 Women's World Cup, where they narrowly lost to England. This tournament was a turning point for women’s cricket in India, as it drew over 180 million viewers, bringing unprecedented attention and support to the sport.

7. Why was Mithali Raj controversially dropped from the 2018 T20 World Cup semi-final?

She was unexpectedly dropped for the semi-final against England, a decision made by coach Ramesh Powar. The exclusion led to public outrage and a major controversy in Indian cricket.

8. When did Mithali Raj retire from cricket?

Mithali Raj retired from T20 internationals in 2019 to focus on ODIs and Tests. She officially retired from all formats on June 8, 2022, marking the end of her career spanning over two decades.

9. What is Mithali Raj doing after retirement?

Mithali continues to contribute to cricket as a mentor and cricket administrator. She advocates for better facilities and contracts for women’s cricket and actively works towards the growth of the sport.

10. Has Mithali Raj received any awards for her contributions to cricket?

She received several prestigious awards, including Arjuna Award (2003) for being India’s highest sporting honor and Padma Shri (2015) – India’s fourth-highest civilian award.

In 2017 she was the first woman to receive the Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in the World award. 

Raj was recognized as one of the most influential women globally and got the BBC 100 Women Award.