Mithali Raj is considered as one of the greatest players in the world, with her becoming the leading run-getter in the history of ODIs.
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7391 runs in ODIs. 2364 runs in Twenty20 Internationals. One of the few individuals in the history of women’s cricket to have scored a double century in Tests. With over 10,000 runs combined in international cricket plus a career spanning 23 years, Mithali Raj is a bonafide legend in cricket. Consider this one stat, her tally of runs in Twenty20 Internationals is third behind only Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. If that is not greatness, one wonders what is.
It is her record in ODIs that makes her truly one of the best in the business. Mithali Raj’s tally of 7391 runs is the most by any individual in the history of women’s cricket. She is the first-ever to go past 6000 and 7000 runs. Even after 23 years, her average in ODIs is still 51. Her fifty and century tally in ODIs is itself a feat worthy of waxing lyrical. The fact that she is one of the last cricketers in the world to have had an active career starting in the 90s makes her achievements staggering.
If someone has to talk about the one factor that revolutionized women’s cricket in India, two individuals need special mention. One is Jhulan Goswami, the other is Mithali. In the past, stalwarts of the game like Shantha Rangaswamy, Neetu David, Anju Jain, MD Thirushkamini all gave India glory at certain levels in women’s cricket. But, unfortunately, all of them did not get the recognition that they deserved.
But, Mithali kept the flag flying with her brilliance. Her double century in a Test match in England showed the world that Indian women cricketers can also create records in grand style. It was Mithali’s exploits that saw India win back-to-back Test series in England. India’s wins in England were a testament to their rise on the global stage, with Mithali playing a massive role.
Eras have changed in women’s cricket. The younger generation is making a massive mark. Harmanpreet Kaur, Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Poonam Yadav, Deepti Sharma Punam Raut, Veda Krishnamurthy, Jemimah Rodrigues are all making a massive impact on the international stage. Be it the Women’s Big Bash League, the 100 as well as the bilateral series, all these women cricketers are making a massive impact. They have been given the wings to fly and dream primarily because Mithali Raj had done the hard yards. Mithali is the individual that has ensured India women’s cricket is on par with the brilliance of Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, and the West Indies.
Unfortunately, in India, there is a tendency to compare the achievements of men and women. Mithali has often been compared to Kohli, Rohit, and Sachin Tendulkar when it comes to achievements in batting. Agreed, all the mentioned names are legendary, but Mithali is simply brilliant for the way how she has single-handedly changed the face of cricket for women.
Before Mithali, Indian women’s cricket was dormant for a long time. There was no contract system in place. Women’s cricket in India was not given due recognition. Their tournaments were not even been broadcast. However, with Mithali’s exploits, India slowly charted their way up in the cricketing world.
This led to women’s contracts, more tours, and now a potential IPL in the near future. It is all because of Mithali and her exploits. Women’s cricket has gotten a massive boost due to Mithali. It is due to Mithali that the likes of Mandhana, Verma, and all the current Indian players have gotten the platform to perform. As she turns 39, her playing days might be over. The 2022 ICC World Cup is potentially her last tournament as she looks to overcome the disappointment of the losses in 2005 and 2017. That is the only thing unfulfilled in her career.
For everything else, Mithali has achieved everything that has to be done. Her career is incomparable with the rest of the players. She has truly redefined the dynamics of a legendary career.
