Mithali Raj retired from all forms of international cricket on 8 June 2022, concluding a career that defined the modern era of the Indian women's team. Throughout her tenure, she became the highest run-scorer in the history of women's international cricket, surpassing 10,000 career runs while captaining her nation through two separate ICC ODI World Cup finals.
Early Development and Domestic Foundation
Born in Jodhpur in 1982 to Dorai Raj and Leela Raj, she began training at the age of ten in Hyderabad. Her father, a warrant officer in the Indian Air Force, supported her early coaching alongside her brother. She completed her education at Keyes High School for Girls and Kasturba Gandhi Junior College for Women. Domestically, she represented Air India and the Railways team, later participating in the Women's T20 Challenge for the Supernovas and Velocity.
International Career Milestones
Raj made her ODI debut against Ireland in 1999, scoring an unbeaten 114. Her Test debut followed during the 2001–02 season against South Africa. In August 2002, she set a then-world record with a score of 214 against England at the County Ground in Taunton. She served as India's permanent captain starting in 2005, leading the side to the 2005 and 2017 World Cup finals.
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She holds the record for the most consecutive Women's One Day International appearances for a team at 109. Raj is the only female cricketer to exceed 7,000 runs in WODI matches and was the first to record seven consecutive 50s. In 2019, she became the first woman to complete 20 years in international cricket, and in 2021, she surpassed Charlotte Edwards’s record of 10,273 career runs.
Governance and Recognition
Her contributions to the sport earned her the Arjuna Award in 2003, the Padma Shri in 2015, and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna in 2021. She was named Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in the World in 2017. Despite her statistical success, she faced internal challenges in 2018 regarding team management and coaching staff, specifically involving Ramesh Powar and Diana Edulji, though she remained a central figure until her final retirement.
Fast facts
- Born: 1982, Jodhpur
- International Debut: 1999
- Retired: 8 June 2022
- Total international runs: Exceeded 10,273
- High Test score: 214
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna: 2021
- Padma Shri: 2015
- Arjuna Award: 2003
Questions readers ask
When did Mithali Raj retire from international cricket?
She announced her retirement from all formats of international cricket on 8 June 2022.
How many World Cup finals did she captain?
She captained India in two ICC ODI World Cup finals, in 2005 and 2017.
What is her highest Test score?
She scored 214 against England in 2002.
