16 years, 205 days – rings a bell? That was Sachin Tendulkar’s age when he made his international debut in a Test match in Karachi in 1989, and what he did for the game after that is there for everyone to see. Almost a decade later, on June 26, 1999, at the age of 16 years and 205 days, another legend made her debut – Mithali Raj against Ireland Women. Opening the innings in her debut match, Mithali scored a century. After that, she was India’s most dependable run-machine for the next two decades. On the 24th anniversary of her debut, let’s take a look at what made Mithali Raj such an important player in India’s women’s cricket history.
Mithali had an incredibly long and successful career in international cricket. For two decades, she showcased remarkable consistency in her performances. Her ability to adapt and perform at a high level for such an extended period set her apart. She faced a lot of criticism late in her career for her strike-rate, but a lot of cricket gurus completely forgot that she had started her career on slow and low pitches where she had to battle it out.
In international cricket across the three formats, Mithali scored 10868 runs in 314 inns at an average of 46.64. Out of those 10868 runs, 6284 come in Indian wins. Moreover, Mithali often stepped up when her team needed her the most – be it against New Zealand in the 2005 World Cup semi-final, where she scored 91* (104), or against England in 2021, when India needed 6 runs off 6 balls and an ice-cool Mithali finished the game with ease, and three balls to spare.
Mithali led the Indian women’s team from a very young age. Her leadership qualities and tactical acumen played a crucial role in the team’s success. Under her captaincy, India reached the finals of the 2005 and the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cups, a significant achievement that elevated the team’s profile and inspired a generation of players. Her impact on the game, though, goes well beyond her personal achievements. She has been a driving force in popularising women’s cricket in India and has been an inspiration for aspiring female cricketers. Her success and dedication have helped break down barriers and stereotypes, paving the way for greater recognition and opportunities for women in cricket.
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She is widely respected for her sportsmanship, discipline, and professionalism. She embodies the values of the game and serves as a role model for her peers and younger players. Her grace and dignity both on and off the field contributed to her legendary status. Mithali is a symbol of dedication and perseverance. She started her career when there was hardly anyone covering the game, and hardly any money, but that did not deter her from giving her 100 percent for the team at every stage.
After winning that game against England, Mithali had said to Sky Sports, the host broadcaster, “I never gave up in the middle. It’s being in the middle, because you can’t win the match sitting out in the dugout. I wanted to win the game for the team.” What she said pretty much summed up her career as a cricketer.
Mithali’s retirement, on June 8, 2022, shortly after she had played her sixth World Cup, left a major void in the women’s game. Apart from winning matches for India, keeping women’s cricket alive and breathing in India, Mithali also brought immense joy to the lives of her fans, myself being one.
Let’s take a look at some of her records:
– Second-highest individual score in Women’s Tests (214 v ENGW, 2002)
– Most runs in an innings batting at No. 4 in Women’s Tests (214 v ENGW, 2002)
– Youngest player to score a double-hundred in Women’s Tests (19 years 254 days)
– Highest partnership for the seventh wicket in Women’s Tests (with Jhulan Goswami v ENG W, 2002)
– Second-longest career in Women’s Tests (19 years, 262 days)
– Highest run-getter in WODIs (7805)
– Most number of nineties in WODIs (5)
– Most half-centuries in WODIs (71)
– Most 50s in consecutive innings in WODIs (7)
– Most matches in WODIs (232)
– Most consecutive WODI matches (109)
– Longest career in WODIs (22 years, 274 days)
– Most matches as a captain in WODIs (155)
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