“But growing as an India cricketer it was about the blue jersey and the pride we all felt wearing that jersey.” – Mithali Raj, Former Captain, India
Former Indian Women’s Cricket Captain, Mithali Raj has hung her blue jersey after a span of 23 years. The former skipper announced her retirement from all formats of international cricket on the afternoon of June 8, 2022. “I set out as a little girl on the journey to wear the India blues as representing your country is the highest honour,” she said as she announced the decision.
Mithali Raj & The World Cup
“It was an honour to have led the team for so many years. It definitely shaped me as a person and hopefully helped shape Indian Women’s cricket as well.”
In her glorious 23 years career, Mithali Raj captained India to the final of the ICC Women’s World Cup in 2017. She holds the record for the most matches captained in Women’s World Cups, breaking Australian legend Belinda Clark’s record during the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 in March. Further, Raj has also led India to four consecutive Asia Cup triumphs between 2005 and 2012.
Mithali Raj: The Glorious 23 years
“Like all journeys, this one too must come to an end”
With a total of 7,805 ODI runs in 232 matches, at an average of just over 50. She also scored 2,364 runs in 89 T20Is, as well as 699 runs in 12 Tests, including a century and four half-centuries.
The veteran once shared that she does not make decisions based on emotion, and likes to be more practical when it comes to her career. In her retirement post, the former Indian batter said that now is the perfect time to call curtains on her playing career as the team is in capable hands and the future of Indian cricket is bright.
India’s historic Test series win in England in 2014 was her most significant achievement as captain. Apart from her life on the cricketing ground, Raj sometimes likes to sketch random things.
Mithali’s Cricketing Stats
– She played her first ODI match on June 25, 1999 vs Ireland.
– Her highest ODI ranking was 1.
– She also finishes as the No.7-ranked batter in the MRF Tyres ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings.
The former Indian cricketer expressed that as this journey ends, another one beckons and she would love to contribute to the growth of Women’s cricket in India and the world over.
