HYDERABAD: Mithali Raj, the most recognised player and top run-scorer in women’s cricket history, India’s most successful women’s captain, and a hero who encouraged many young girls to take up a sport, called it a day on Wednesday after a brilliant 23-year career.
Mithali played 12 Tests, 232 ODIs, and 89 T20Is after making her debut as a 16-year-old in 1999. Her total of 10,868 international runs in 333 matches (ODIs, Tests, and T20Is) will be difficult to match. The 39-year-old set a global record by scoring 7,805 runs in one-day internationals at an average of 50.7 and led India to 89 victories in 155 ODIs, the most by any woman captain.
The 39-year-old, who has the most runs in women’s cricket and is the first Indian captain—man or woman—to have guided the team to two 50-over World Cup finals, will retire without a trophy in her cabinet.
Mithu, as she is affectionately known by family and friends, was pushed to the limit by her intense desire to win the World Cup. She was hesitant to call it quits without realising her dream, but as she stated in her retirement statement, “Like all journeys, this one must come to an end.”
“I’ve wanted to wear the Indian jersey since I was a small child because representing your country is the highest honour.” Along the road, there were some highs and lows. “The last 23 years have been the most fulfilling, demanding, and pleasant years of my life,” Mithali said.
At the age of 16, Mithali made her ODI debut against Ireland at Milton Keynes in 1999 and scored an unbeaten 114. “I was one of those players that played from the WACI era to the BCCI era, from the IWCC era to the ICC era, from empty stadiums to full stadiums, from county fields to international stadiums, from empty stadiums to packed stadiums.” I’ve witnessed the evolution of women’s cricket to where it is now. “My personal path has paralleled the shift of women’s cricket,” she told the press at the time.
When given a choice between Bharatanatyam and cricket, Mithali chose the less-traveled path. “Classical dancing and cricket were two things that captivated me early in my career.” It was a difficult decision, but I ultimately chose cricket, and I have no regrets. “When Mithali reflected about her first game, she said she did so with dignity. Mithali dominated women’s cricket, despite being pushed a little in the beginning.
“From the time I made my debut till now, I’ve spent two decades of my prime time away from home, in other nations, hotels, grounds, coaches, and travel. It’s been an incredible adventure.
There were also some low points, such as the dispute with coach Romesh Powar and the famous remark that the run rate is overrated. Her concentration, on the other hand, was unwavering. Mithali, on the other hand, stated that she would continue to be involved with the game.
“This adventure may have come to an end, but another one awaits,” she said. “I’d like to be active in the game I adore and help India’s women’s cricket improve.” Women’s cricket and the next generation will surely gain from this.