Mithali Raj is one of the greatest cricketers in Indian sporting history and a pioneer of women’s cricket. Known for her elegant batting technique, remarkable consistency and calm leadership, she represented India in international cricket for more than 23 years. Her contribution helped bring greater recognition to women’s cricket in India and inspired generations of young girls to consider the sport as a professional career.
Born on 3 December 1982 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Mithali developed an interest in cricket during her childhood in Hyderabad. She made her international debut at just 16 years old and quickly became one of India’s most dependable batters. Over the years, she established several records, including becoming the highest run-scorer in women’s One Day International cricket.
As captain, Mithali guided India to the finals of the 2005 and 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cups. She retired from international cricket in June 2022 after an extraordinary career. In 2026, she remains connected with cricket through broadcasting, consultancy and women’s cricket development. She also received the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women in March 2026.
Who Is Mithali Raj?
Mithali Raj is a former Indian international cricketer and one of the most successful batters in women’s cricket. She played as a right-handed batter and occasionally bowled right-arm leg-break deliveries. Her ability to build long innings, control the scoring rate and perform under pressure made her a central figure in the Indian women’s team.
She first attracted international attention in 1999 when she scored an unbeaten 114 on her ODI debut against Ireland. That innings introduced her as a promising young talent and marked the beginning of a record-breaking career.
Mithali represented India in Tests, ODIs and T20 Internationals. She finished her international career with 10,868 runs across the three formats. Her leadership also helped India become a strong competitor in international women’s cricket.
Mithali Raj Basic Information
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mithali Dorai Raj |
| Popular Name | Mithali Raj |
| Other Name | Lady Sachin |
| Profession | Former International Cricketer, Broadcaster and Mentor |
| Famous For | Highest run-scorer in women’s ODI cricket |
| Date of Birth | 3 December 1982 |
| Age (2026) | 43 Years |
| Birthplace | Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India |
| Hometown | Hyderabad, Telangana |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Religion | Not publicly confirmed |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm leg-break |
| Playing Role | Batter |
| International Team | India |
| Domestic Teams | Indian Railways, Air India Women, India Blue Women, Asia Women XI |
| International Debut | 26 June 1999 |
| Retirement | 8 June 2022 |
| Jersey Number | 3 (India) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Husband | Not applicable |
| Father | Dorai Raj |
| Mother | Leela Raj |
| Brother | Mithun Raj |
| Height | 163 cm (5 feet 4 inches) |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | ₹40–45 Crore |
| Major Achievement | Highest run-scorer in women’s ODI cricket |
Mithali Raj Age and Birth Details
Mithali Raj was born on 3 December 1982 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. As of October 2026, she is 43 years old. Although she was born in Rajasthan, she grew up in Hyderabad, where she spent much of her childhood and developed her cricketing skills.
Her father, Dorai Raj, served in the Indian Air Force, while her mother, Leela Raj, supported the family and encouraged her interests. Mithali’s early exposure to sports and disciplined training helped her develop the concentration required for professional cricket.
She started learning cricket during her childhood and gradually became one of the most promising young players in the country. Her international debut at 16 years old was an early indication of the extraordinary career that followed.
Mithali Raj Height and Physical Appearance
| Physical Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Height | 163 cm |
| Height in Metres | 1.63 m |
| Height in Feet | 5 feet 4 inches |
| Weight | Not publicly confirmed |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Body Type | Athletic |
Mithali Raj Early Life and Childhood
Mithali Raj spent her early childhood in Hyderabad after being born in Jodhpur. Her father, Dorai Raj, was an Indian Air Force officer, and the family maintained a disciplined lifestyle. During her childhood, Mithali was introduced to sports and physical activities, which helped develop her interest in athletics.
Interestingly, cricket was not her only early interest. She also trained in Bharatanatyam, an Indian classical dance form. Balancing dance practice with cricket training taught her discipline, coordination and concentration. Eventually, cricket became her main focus as her talent started receiving attention.
Her family supported her decision to pursue cricket seriously. She began training under professional guidance and spent considerable time improving her batting. Her dedication helped her progress through junior cricket and eventually earn a place in India’s national team.
Mithali Raj Family Background
Mithali Raj comes from a supportive Indian family. Her father, Dorai Raj, served in the Indian Air Force, while her mother, Leela Raj, played an important role in supporting her sporting ambitions. Her brother is named Mithun Raj.
Her family encouraged her to maintain discipline and focus on her goals. Their support was particularly important during the early stages of her career, when women’s cricket did not receive the same public attention or commercial opportunities as men’s cricket.
| Family Member | Details |
|---|---|
| Father | Dorai Raj |
| Mother | Leela Raj |
| Brother | Mithun Raj |
| Husband | Not applicable |
| Children | None publicly known |
Mithali Raj’s Father
Mithali’s father, Dorai Raj, served in the Indian Air Force. His disciplined professional background influenced the environment in which she grew up. He supported her sporting development and encouraged her to remain committed to her goals.
Mithali Raj’s Mother
Her mother, Leela Raj, supported her during the demanding years of training and competition. Mithali’s cricket career involved extensive travel, practice sessions and international commitments, making family support an important part of her journey.
Mithali Raj’s Brother
Mithali has a brother named Mithun Raj. She grew up in a family environment where sports and discipline were encouraged. Her brother also shared an interest in cricket during their younger years.
Mithali Raj Education Background
Mithali Raj completed her schooling at Keyes High School for Girls in Hyderabad. She later attended Kasturba Gandhi Junior College for Women in Secunderabad for her intermediate education.
During her school years, she balanced academic responsibilities with cricket training. Her sporting commitments gradually became more demanding as she progressed through junior cricket competitions. With the support of her family and coaches, she continued developing her batting skills while completing her education.
Her journey shows how consistent training and determination can help young athletes pursue professional sports alongside their studies.
Mithali Raj Husband Name, Marriage and Relationship
Mithali Raj is unmarried and has not publicly confirmed a husband or marriage. She has generally maintained privacy regarding her personal relationships and has focused much of her public life on cricket and the development of women’s sport.
Her long international career involved extensive training, domestic competitions, international tours and captaincy responsibilities. She became a prominent sporting figure through her performances rather than through public discussion of her private life.
| Relationship Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Husband | None |
| Boyfriend | Not publicly confirmed |
| Engagement | Not publicly confirmed |
| Marriage Date | Not applicable |
| Children | None publicly known |
Mithali Raj Personal Life and Lifestyle
Away from cricket, Mithali Raj is known for her composed personality and disciplined approach to life. Her interests include reading, fitness, dancing and travelling. She has also spoken about the importance of maintaining a balanced routine after retiring from professional cricket.
Her lifestyle changed after retirement, but fitness remains an important part of her daily routine. In 2026, she has discussed combining yoga and strength training while paying attention to meal timing and portion control. She enjoys reading, particularly fantasy books, and values home-cooked food.
Mithali continues to remain connected with cricket through commentary, mentoring and advisory responsibilities. She has expressed interest in helping young female cricketers develop the skills and opportunities needed to compete professionally.
Mithali Raj Cricket Career Journey
Beginning of Cricket Training
Mithali Raj began learning cricket during her childhood in Hyderabad. Her early training helped her develop a strong batting foundation, and her coaches recognised her ability to play with patience and technical control.
She progressed through age-group cricket and gradually earned opportunities to represent higher-level teams. Her performances in junior competitions helped her enter the national selection system at a very young age.
International Debut in 1999
Mithali made her ODI debut for India against Ireland on 26 June 1999 at Milton Keynes, England. She scored an unbeaten 114 runs in her first international match.
Scoring a century on debut at the age of 16 was an extraordinary achievement. It immediately established her as one of the most promising young batters in women’s cricket.
Test Debut in 2002
Mithali made her Test debut against England on 14 January 2002 in Lucknow. She gradually developed into an important member of India’s red-ball team and demonstrated her ability to play long innings.
One of her most memorable Test performances came in August 2002 against England at Taunton, where she scored 214 runs. At the time, it was the highest individual score in women’s Test cricket and remained a landmark achievement in the format.
Becoming a Regular Member of the Indian Team
During the early 2000s, Mithali became one of India’s most dependable batters. Her ability to remain at the crease for long periods made her especially valuable in ODI cricket.
She developed a reputation for consistency and was often the player India depended on when the team needed stability. Her performances helped establish her as a leading figure in the national side.
Leadership and Captaincy
Mithali gradually became one of the most influential leaders in Indian women’s cricket. Under her captaincy, India developed into a competitive international team and achieved important results in major tournaments.
She led India in two Women’s Cricket World Cup finals, in 2005 and 2017. Although India did not win either final, reaching those stages was a significant achievement for the team and helped increase interest in women’s cricket.
Her calm leadership and experience were valuable during challenging international matches. She also captained India to four consecutive Women’s Asia Cup titles between 2005 and 2012.
2005 Women’s Cricket World Cup
The 2005 Women’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa was an important moment in Mithali’s career. India reached the final of the tournament under her leadership, becoming a serious contender for the world title.
Australia defeated India in the final, but the team’s performance helped raise the profile of women’s cricket in the country. The tournament also strengthened Mithali’s reputation as a leader.
2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup
The 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup in England became another major milestone for Mithali and Indian women’s cricket. She captained India to the final, where the team faced England at Lord’s.
India finished as runners-up after a closely contested match. Mithali’s leadership and batting experience played an important role throughout the tournament. The team’s performance attracted considerable public attention and encouraged more young girls to take up cricket.
Retirement from T20 International Cricket
Mithali announced her retirement from T20 International cricket on 3 September 2019. She chose to concentrate on ODI cricket and prepare for the next stage of her international career.
She finished her T20I career with 2,364 runs in 89 matches, remaining one of India’s most successful batters in the format.
Final International Matches
Mithali’s final ODI appearance came against South Africa on 27 March 2022 in Christchurch during the Women’s Cricket World Cup. Her final Test appearance had taken place against Australia from 30 September to 3 October 2021 at Carrara.
Her last T20 International was against England on 9 March 2019 in Guwahati. These matches marked the closing stages of a career that had spanned more than two decades.
Retirement from International Cricket in 2022
On 8 June 2022, Mithali Raj announced her retirement from all forms of international cricket. Her career had lasted more than 23 years, beginning with her ODI debut in 1999.
She finished as the highest run-scorer in women’s ODI cricket, with 7,805 runs in 232 matches. Her retirement marked the end of one of the longest and most influential careers in the history of women’s cricket.
Mithali Raj International Debut and Retirement Details
| Format | International Debut | Last International Match |
|---|---|---|
| ODI | 26 June 1999 vs Ireland, Milton Keynes | 27 March 2022 vs South Africa, Christchurch |
| Test | 14 January 2002 vs England, Lucknow | 30 September–3 October 2021 vs Australia, Carrara |
| T20I | 5 August 2006 vs England, Derby | 9 March 2019 vs England, Guwahati |
International Retirement Timeline
- 3 September 2019: Mithali announced her retirement from T20 International cricket.
- 8 June 2022: She announced her retirement from all forms of international cricket.
Mithali Raj Domestic Teams and Jersey Number
Mithali represented several domestic and invitational teams during her playing career. Indian Railways was an important part of her domestic cricket journey, and she also represented Air India Women and other representative sides.
| Team | Competition |
|---|---|
| Indian Railways | Indian Domestic Cricket |
| Air India Women | Domestic Cricket |
| Asia Women XI | Representative Cricket |
| India Blue Women | Domestic/Representative Cricket |
| India | International Cricket |
Her Indian international jersey number was 3.
Mithali Raj Coaches and Mentors
Mithali’s development as a cricketer involved the guidance of several coaches and mentors. Their support helped her improve her technique, build confidence and progress through different levels of cricket.
| Coach or Mentor | Association |
|---|---|
| Jyoti Prasad | Early cricket guidance |
| Sampath Kumar | Cricket coaching |
| Vinod Sharma | Cricket coaching |
Mithali Raj Professional Career After Retirement
Mithali did not completely step away from cricket after announcing her retirement. She expressed her desire to remain connected with the game and contribute to the growth of women’s cricket.
Cricket Commentary and Broadcasting
Mithali became involved in cricket broadcasting and analysis after retirement. Her experience as an international batter and former captain allows her to explain match situations, batting techniques and team strategies from a player’s perspective.
By 2026, she was associated with Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV as an analyst and commentator. Her broadcasting work gives audiences an opportunity to understand the game through the perspective of one of India’s most experienced women cricketers.
Mentorship and Advisory Roles
Mithali has taken up mentoring and advisory responsibilities in women’s cricket. Her experience is valuable in developing pathways for young players and improving opportunities for women in the sport.
She has expressed a preference for contributing to the game through guidance and development rather than returning to competitive playing roles.
Andhra Women’s Premier League
In August 2026, Mithali was named the brand ambassador of the inaugural Women’s Andhra Premier League. The role connects her with the development of women’s cricket at the state level and provides an opportunity to encourage young players.
BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award in 2026
A major recognition came in March 2026 when the BCCI announced that Mithali Raj would receive the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women at the Naman Awards.
The award recognised her extraordinary contribution to Indian women’s cricket, including her record-breaking batting career, leadership and role in increasing the global standing of the women’s game. She received the honour at the 2026 Naman Awards ceremony.
Mithali Raj International Cricket Statistics
Mithali’s international statistics reflect her consistency and ability to perform across different formats. She finished her career with more than 10,000 international runs and remains the highest run-scorer in women’s ODI history.
| Format | Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Centuries | Half-Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 12 | 699 | 214 | 1 | 4 |
| ODI | 232 | 7,805 | 125* | 7 | 64 |
| T20I | 89 | 2,364 | 97* | 0 | 17 |
| Total | 333 | 10,868 | — | 8 | 85 |
Mithali Raj Major Cricket Records
Mithali Raj established several records during her international career. Her achievements helped set new standards for batting consistency and longevity in women’s cricket.
Highest Run-Scorer in Women’s ODI Cricket
Mithali retired with 7,805 runs in 232 women’s ODIs, making her the highest run-scorer in the format. Her record reflected her remarkable consistency over more than two decades.
First Indian Woman to Score 10,000 International Runs
In March 2021, Mithali became the first Indian woman to complete 10,000 runs in international cricket. She also became only the second woman in the world to reach that milestone at the time.
Century on ODI Debut
Mithali scored an unbeaten 114 against Ireland on her ODI debut in 1999. Her performance at 16 years old made her one of the youngest players to score an international century.
Double Century in Women’s Test Cricket
She scored 214 against England at Taunton in 2002. This innings made her the first Indian woman to score a double century in Test cricket and remains one of the most memorable performances of her career.
Most ODI Appearances in Women’s Cricket
Mithali played 232 women’s ODI matches, making her the first woman to cross the 200-match milestone in the format. Her long career demonstrated remarkable fitness and consistency.
Two Women’s World Cup Finals as Captain
She led India to the Women’s Cricket World Cup finals in 2005 and 2017. These campaigns played an important role in increasing the visibility of Indian women’s cricket.
Four Consecutive Women’s Asia Cup Titles
Under her leadership, India won four consecutive Women’s Asia Cup titles between 2005 and 2012. These victories established India as a dominant team in the regional competition.
Seven Consecutive ODI Half-Centuries
Mithali became the first cricketer to score seven consecutive half-centuries in women’s ODIs. This achievement highlighted her consistency and ability to deliver dependable performances across successive matches.
World Cup Run-Scoring Milestones
She became the first Indian woman and the fifth woman overall to score more than 1,000 runs in Women’s World Cup matches. She also became the first woman to reach 200 ODI appearances.
Mithali Raj Controversy
Mithali Raj’s career also included a public disagreement with the Indian team management during the 2018 ICC Women’s World T20.
2018 Women’s World T20 Selection Controversy
During the 2018 Women’s World T20 in the West Indies, Mithali was not included in India’s playing XI for the semi-final against England. The decision became a major talking point because of her experience and previous performances.
Mithali expressed dissatisfaction with the selection decision in a communication to the BCCI. The issue involved then head coach Ramesh Powar and senior cricket administrator Diana Edulji. The disagreement became public and led to considerable discussion about team selection, player communication and management decisions.
The controversy highlighted the challenges of managing experienced players, team combinations and individual expectations in high-pressure international tournaments. It remains one of the most discussed incidents of her career.
Mithali Raj Awards and Achievements
| Year | Award or Recognition |
|---|---|
| 2003 | Arjuna Award |
| 2015 | Padma Shri |
| 2015 | Wisden India Cricketer of the Year |
| 2017 | Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in the World |
| 2017 | Vogue Sportsperson of the Year |
| 2017 | BBC 100 Women recognition |
| 2021 | Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award |
| 2026 | BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women |
Mithali Raj Net Worth in 2026
Mithali Raj’s estimated net worth in 2026 is approximately ₹40 crore to ₹45 crore, equivalent to around US$5 million. This is an unofficial estimate, not a publicly audited financial figure. It places her among the wealthiest former Indian women cricketers in published net-worth estimates.
Her wealth has been built through a long international cricket career, match fees, prize money, central contracts, brand endorsements, broadcasting assignments and advisory work. She represented India for more than two decades and became one of the most recognisable names in women’s cricket.
After retirement, her professional activities in broadcasting and cricket consultancy have continued to provide income opportunities. Her brand associations have also contributed to her commercial profile.
Main Sources of Income
1. Cricket Career and Board Earnings
Mithali earned income through international match fees, prize money, performance incentives and BCCI central contracts during her playing career. She represented India from 1999 to 2022 and served as captain for a significant part of that period.
2. Brand Endorsements
Brand endorsements have been another important source of income. She has been associated with brands including Fairplay News, Airtel, Thums Up, L’Oréal, Edelweiss and Jacob’s Creek. Some published estimates suggest endorsement fees of around ₹25–30 lakh per brand, although individual contract amounts have not been officially disclosed.
3. Broadcasting and Media Roles
After retirement, Mithali moved into cricket commentary and analysis. Her work with broadcasting platforms provides another professional income stream, although her exact media fees are not publicly available.
4. Mentorship and Consultancy
Her experience as a former captain has created opportunities in cricket consultancy, mentoring and women’s sports development. These roles allow her to contribute to the next generation of players while continuing her professional association with cricket.
5. Brand Ambassador and Public Appearances
Her public profile also creates opportunities for promotional partnerships and sporting events. In 2026, she was named brand ambassador of the inaugural Women’s Andhra Premier League.
Mithali Raj House, Cars and Lifestyle
Mithali Raj has spent much of her life in Hyderabad, where she developed her cricketing career. However, detailed information about the value of her house, property ownership and private vehicle collection is not publicly confirmed.
Her lifestyle is centred on fitness, reading, travel and staying connected with cricket. Even after retirement, she continues to maintain an active routine and participate in activities that support her professional and personal interests.
Rather than focusing on luxury or public displays of wealth, Mithali has generally maintained a relatively private personal life.
Mithali Raj Favourite Things
| Category | Favourite |
|---|---|
| Favourite Cricketers | Michael Clarke and Sachin Tendulkar |
| Favourite Food | Thick curds-rice |
| Favourite Actors | Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan |
| Favourite Actress | Priyanka Chopra |
| Favourite Book | The Essential Rumi by Coleman Barks |
| Favourite Poet | Rumi |
| Favourite Dance Form | Bharatanatyam |
| Hobbies | Dancing and Reading |
| Fitness Activities | Yoga and Strength Training |
| Favourite Pastime | Reading |
Mithali Raj Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Account |
|---|---|
| @mithaliraj | |
| X (Twitter) | @M_Raj03 |
| Mithali Raj |
Mithali Raj Movie: Shabaash Mithu
Mithali Raj’s life and cricketing journey inspired the Hindi biographical sports film Shabaash Mithu. The film was released in 2022 and featured Taapsee Pannu in the lead role.
The movie follows Mithali’s journey from childhood cricket training to becoming one of India’s most successful women’s cricketers. It also highlights the challenges faced by women athletes during the early years of her career.
The film brought her story to a wider audience and highlighted the dedication required to build a professional career in women’s cricket.
Interesting Facts About Mithali Raj
Mithali Raj was born on 3 December 1982 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
Mithali grew up in Hyderabad and began learning cricket at a young age.
Raj also trained in Bharatanatyam during her childhood.
Mithali Raj is popularly known as “Lady Sachin.”
Mithali made her international ODI debut at the age of 16.
Raj scored an unbeaten 114 in her first ODI against Ireland.
Mithali Raj scored 214 runs against England in a women’s Test match in 2002.
Mithali became the first Indian woman to score 10,000 international runs.
Raj is the highest run-scorer in women’s ODI cricket.
Mithali Raj captained India in the 2005 and 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup finals.
Mithali played 232 ODI matches for India.
Her Indian jersey number was 3.
Raj retired from international cricket on 8 June 2022.
Her life inspired the 2022 film Shabaash Mithu.
She received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021.Mithali Raj received the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women in 2026.
Conclusion
Mithali Raj’s journey is one of the most important stories in Indian women’s cricket. From a young girl training in Hyderabad to becoming the highest run-scorer in women’s ODI history, she built a career defined by consistency, discipline and leadership. Her 23-year international journey helped change how women’s cricket was viewed in India.
Her achievements include more than 10,000 international runs, two Women’s World Cup final appearances as captain, a historic Test double century and several prestigious national awards. Even after retiring in 2022, she has continued contributing to cricket through commentary, mentoring and advisory work.
With an estimated net worth of ₹40–45 crore and the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award in 2026, Mithali remains an influential figure in Indian sport. Her legacy extends beyond statistics because she helped create opportunities and inspiration for the next generation of Indian women cricketers.
FAQs
Who is Mithali Raj?
Mithali Raj is a former Indian international cricketer and captain. She is recognised as the highest run-scorer in women’s ODI cricket.
What is Mithali Raj’s age in 2026?
Mithali Raj is 43 years old as of October 2026. She was born on 3 December 1982.
What is Mithali Raj’s height?
Her height is approximately 163 cm, or 5 feet 4 inches.
Is Mithali Raj married?
No. Mithali Raj is unmarried and has not publicly confirmed a marriage.
Who is Mithali Raj’s husband?
She does not have a publicly known husband because she is unmarried.
Who are Mithali Raj’s parents?
Her father’s name is Dorai Raj, and her mother’s name is Leela Raj.
Does Mithali Raj have a brother?
Yes. Her brother’s name is Mithun Raj.
When did Mithali Raj retire from international cricket?
She announced her retirement from all forms of international cricket on 8 June 2022.
How many international runs did Mithali Raj score?
She scored 10,868 international runs: 699 in Tests, 7,805 in ODIs and 2,364 in T20 Internationals.
What is Mithali Raj’s highest ODI score?
Her highest ODI score is 125 not out.
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