Mithali Raj made her debut on June 26, 1999 during an ODI against Ireland and she remains the only active Indian cricketer from the 1990s.
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On June 26, 1999, a young woman cricketer decided to forsake her dancing career to focus on cricket. As a 17-year-old, she was taking a big risk in her career. Women’s cricket in India was not yet a big thing. But, when she stepped out on the lush fields of Campbell Park in Milton Keynes, she was destined for greatness. On this day, 22 years ago, Mithali Raj took her first steps in cricket greatness and what a giant step it was.
Partnered with another debutant in wicketkeeper Reshma Gandhi, Mithali Raj created history. She and Gandhi both hit centuries on ODI debut and shared an opening wicket stand of 258 against Ireland. This is the only instance in the history of women’s cricket that both players had hit a century on ODI debut. With Mithali being part of such a historic feat, it was only natural that more records would come her way.
Ever since her debut in Milton Keynes, Mithali Raj has been a phenom in the history of women’s cricket. This is her 22nd year in international cricket. Mithali is also one of the only active Indian cricketers or any cricketer from the globe to still be playing cricket now after making their debut in the 90s.
Mithali is the only player in ODI history to have played over 200 ODIs and score 7000 runs. She is the leading run-scorer in women’s ODIs. In Twenty20 Internationals, she has the highest number of runs by an Indian women player. Overall, she is third behind Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
When one looks at the contributions of Mithali Raj, it is phenomenal. She is one of the names that has made Indian cricket what it is today. The success of women’s cricket in India is all due to the perseverance and consistency of Mithali.
Mithali Raj is not just an ODI legend but she is also a Test great. She is one of the only seven women in history to have hit a double century in Tests. In women’s cricket history, she became the third batter to hit a double ton after Joanne Broadbent and Michelle Goszko. It was her 214 that made her the ultimate name in world cricket. To think, that she had achieved all this at the age of 22.
The Indian batter also led India to the 2005 ICC World Cup in South Africa. They had reached the final for the first time but they lost to Australia in the final. For a solid decade, Mithali Raj was one of the best players in the history of the game.
In the 2017 ICC World Cup, Mithali created history as she crossed 6000 ODI runs. She had become the first woman batter to have achieved this in history. It was her consistency, combined with the flair of Harmanpreet Kaur that helped India reach the final again. However, against a brilliant England side who were backed by home support, India fell short by nine runs. Anya Shrubsole broke a billion hearts as she registered a haul of 6/46.
Mithali had to endure the heartbreak of two World Cup finals loss. However, she had done enough to ensure she had put Indian cricket on a pedestal that was enjoyed by the likes of Australia, England and potentially New Zealand. But, there was a crisis point in 2018.
After two consecutive fifties, Mithali was dropped for the semi-final of the 2018 ICC World T20 in West Indies. The dropping made little sense, but at that time, it was said that Mithali’s low strike-rate was the main reason. India lost the semi-final to England and the aftermath was ugly.
Amidst reports of a dressing room rift between Harmanpreet, Mithali and coach Ramesh Powar, India women’s cricket team underwent a major crisis point. The healing was slow but the damage had been done. Mithali continued to play well for India and now she has crossed 7000 runs.
Mithali will have two goals heading into her 23rd year in 2022. She will be aiming to win a Test for the first time in Australia. More importantly, she would want to be third time lucky and try win the 2022 ICC Women’s World Cup in New Zealand. A World Cup win for Mithali will be the ultimate icing on the cake for a legend like Mithali.
