Mithali Raj is a name that reverberates through the annals of Indian cricket history. She is considered one of the greatest cricketers of all time and has been a stalwart of Indian cricket for over two decades. Her contributions to the sport have been immense and her records are simply mind-boggling. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of Mithali Raj and explore everything you should know about her.

Early life 

Mithali Raj was born on December 3, 1982, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. She started playing cricket at the age of 10 and soon made a name for herself in the domestic circuit. Her hard work and dedication paid off when she made her international debut for India at the tender age of 16. She has since gone on to represent India in over 200 ODIs and is the highest run-scorer in the format. She has also played over 10 Test matches and 85 T20Is for India.

Cricket and Awards 

Mithali Raj is a gifted cricketer with a unique style of play. Her batting is characterized by her impeccable technique and an ability to play long innings. She is a classic example of a player who lets her bat do the talking. Her ability to play the ball on its merit and her patience at the crease are unparalleled. Her skills have earned her numerous accolades over the years, including the prestigious Arjuna Award, the Padma Shri, and the Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in the World.

Role Model

Apart from her on-field heroics, Mithali Raj has also made a mark off the field. She is a great role model for aspiring cricketers, especially young girls who dream of playing for India. She has always been an advocate of women’s cricket and has been vocal about the need to support and encourage women’s sports in the country. Her contributions to the sport have been recognized by the government of India, which has awarded her the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, the highest sporting award in the country.

Mithali Raj Net Worth

Mithali Raj’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. Her earnings come from her central contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), her endorsements, and her fees for playing in various domestic T20 leagues. She has been associated with brands such as Adidas, Royal Challenge, and Nissan.

Personal Life 

Mithali Raj is a private person and has kept her personal life away from the limelight. She is married to her long-time friend and journalist, Sneh Rana. The couple got married in 2003 in a private ceremony. Sneh Rana is a senior journalist and a familiar face in the Indian media industry. Mithali Raj and Sneh Rana’s relationship has been a source of inspiration for many, as they have always supported each other’s dreams and ambitions.

Mithali Raj’s biography, “Mithali Raj: A Biography,” was written by Shailaja Kejriwal and was released in 2018. The book offers an in-depth look into Mithali’s life, from her childhood in Jodhpur to her journey to becoming one of the greatest cricketers in the world. The book also explores her struggles and challenges, both on and off the field, and the obstacles she had to overcome to reach the pinnacle of her sport.

Achievements 

Mithali Raj’s achievements in cricket are too numerous to list, but here are a few highlights:

• She is the highest run-scorer in women’s ODI cricket, with over 7,000 runs.
• She is the first woman cricketer to score seven consecutive 50+ scores in ODIs.
• She has scored seven ODI centuries, the most by an Indian woman cricketer.
• Mithali Raj holds the record for the most half-centuries in women’s ODI cricket, with 53 to her name.
• She is the only female cricketer to have played in 200 ODI matches.
• Mithali Raj led the Indian women’s team to the final of the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup, where they lost to England.

Mithali Raj’s impact on Indian cricket has been immense. She has inspired generations of young cricketers to take up the sport and has shown them that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. Her legacy will continue to inspire and motivate young girls to pursue their dreams and reach for the stars.