View source for Mithali Raj

{{Short description|Indian cricketer (born 1982)}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2023}}
{{Infobox cricketer
| name = Mithali Raj 
| female = true
| full_name = Mithali Raj
| image = Mithali Raj with Padma Shri Award (cropped).jpg
| caption = Mithali during receiving [[Padma Shri]] Award in 2015
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1982|12|03|df=y}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/article/twitterati-pour-in-wishes-for-india-womens-odi-skipper-mithal-raj-as-she-turns/522275 |title=Mithali Raj turns 37, Twitterati pours wishes for India's women's ODI skipper |website=www.timesnownews.com |date=3 December 2019 |access-date=13 August 2022 |archive-date=7 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307202644/https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/article/twitterati-pour-in-wishes-for-india-womens-odi-skipper-mithali-raj-as-she-turns/522275 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Jodhpur]], [[Rajasthan]], India
| heightft = 5
| heightinch = 4
| batting = Right-handed
| bowling = Right-arm [[leg spin|leg break]]
| role = [[Batting (cricket)|Top-order batter]]
| international = true
| internationalspan = 1999–2022
| country = India
| testdebutagainst = England
| testdebutdate = 14 January
| testdebutyear = 2002
| lasttestagainst = Australia
| lasttestdate = 30 September
| lasttestyear = 2021
| testcap = 56
| odidebutagainst = Ireland
| odidebutdate = 26 June
| odidebutyear = 1999
| lastodidate = 27 March
| lastodiyear = 2022
| lastodiagainst = South Africa
| odicap = 56
| odishirt = 03
| T20Idebutagainst = England
| T20Idebutdate = 5 August
| T20Idebutyear = 2006
| lastT20Iagainst = England
| lastT20Idate = 9 March
| lastT20Iyear = 2019
| T20Icap = 9

| club1 = [[Andhra women's cricket team|Andhra]]
| year1 = 1996/97–1998/99
| club2 = Air India
| year2 = 1999/00
| club3 = [[Railways women's cricket team|Railways]]
| year3 = {{nowrap|2000/01–2021/22}}
| club4 = [[IPL Supernovas|Supernovas]]
| year4 = 2018
| club5 = [[IPL Velocity|Velocity]]
| year5 = 2019–2022

| columns = 3
| column1 = [[Women's Test cricket|WTest]]
| matches1 = 12
| runs1 = 699
| bat avg1 = 43.68
| 100s/50s1 = 1/4
| top score1 = 214
| deliveries1 = 72
| wickets1 = 0
| bowl avg1 = –
| fivefor1 = –
| tenfor1 = –
| best bowling1 = –
| catches/stumpings1 = 12/–

| column2 = [[Women's One Day International|WODI]]
| matches2 = 232
| runs2 = 7,805
| bat avg2 = 50.68
| 100s/50s2 = 7/64
| top score2 = 125[[not out|*]]
| deliveries2 = 171
| wickets2 = 8
| bowl avg2 = 11.37
| fivefor2 = 0
| tenfor2 = 0
| best bowling2 = 3/4
| catches/stumpings2 = 58/-

| column3 = [[Women's Twenty20 International|WT20I]]
| matches3 = 89
| runs3 = 2,364
| bat avg3 = 37.52
| 100s/50s3 = 0/17
| top score3 = 97[[not out|*]]
| deliveries3 = 6
| wickets3 = 0
| bowl avg3 = –
| fivefor3 = –
| tenfor3 = –
| best bowling3 = –
| catches/stumpings3 = 19/–
| source = https://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/player/54273.html ESPNcricinfo
| date = 27 March
| year = 2022
| medaltemplates = 
{{Medal|Sport|Women's [[cricket]]}}
{{Medal|Country| {{IND}}}}
{{Medal|Competition|[[Women's Cricket World Cup|ODI World Cup]]}}
{{Medal|RU|[[2005 Women's Cricket World Cup|2005 South Africa]]|}}
{{Medal|RU|[[2017 Women's Cricket World Cup|2017 England and Wales]]|}}
{{Medal|Competition|[[Women's Asia Cup|Asia Cup]]}}
{{Medal|W|[[Women's Asia Cup|2005-06 Pakistan]]|}}
{{Medal|W|[[Women's Asia Cup|2006 India]]|}}
{{Medal|W|[[Women's Asia Cup|2008 Sri Lanka]]|}}
{{Medal|W|[[Women's Asia Cup|2012 China]]|}}
{{Medal|W|[[Women's Asia Cup|2016 Thailand]]|}}
{{Medal|RU|[[Women's Asia Cup|2018 Malaysia]]|}}
}}
'''Mithali Raj''' (born 3 December 1982) is an Indian former [[cricket]]er who [[Captain (cricket)|captained]] the [[national team]] from 2004 to 2022.<ref>[https://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/player/54273.html Mithali Raj] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505220004/https://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/player/54273.html |date=5 May 2020 }} ESPNcricinfo</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc-womens-world-cup-2017/content/story/1110832.html?object=1085967 |title=Raj finds life lonely at the top |date=12 July 2017 |access-date=13 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170720165707/http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc-womens-world-cup-2017/content/story/1110832.html?object=1085967 |archive-date=20 July 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> She is the highest run-scorer in women's international cricket, and ESPN ranked her as one of the greatest female cricketers of all time.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ghosh |first1=Annesha |title=ESPNcricinfo |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/mithali-raj-54273 |website=ESPN Edition US |publisher=ESPN Sports Media Ltd.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Mohanarangan |first1=Vinayakk |title=Data check: Greatest of all time? Mithali Raj's domination of ODI cricket is unreal |url=https://scroll.in/field/962320/data-check-greatest-of-all-time-mithali-rajs-domination-of-odi-cricket-is-unreal |access-date=19 September 2022 |work=[[Scroll.in]] |date=21 May 2020 |archive-date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920172740/https://scroll.in/field/962320/data-check-greatest-of-all-time-mithali-rajs-domination-of-odi-cricket-is-unreal |url-status=live}}</ref> Raj has received several national and international awards, including the [[Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in the World|''Wisden'' Leading Woman Cricketer in the World]] in 2017, [[Arjuna Award]] in 2003, the [[Padma Shri]] in 2015, and [[Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna]] in 2021.

Raj holds numerous records in international cricket. She is the only female cricketer to surpass 7,000 runs in [[Women's One Day International]] (WODI) matches.<ref name="Raj-leading">{{cite web |title=Record-setting Raj top of the women's charts |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc-womens-world-cup-2017/content/story/1110610.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=12 July 2017 |access-date=12 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713013557/http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc-womens-world-cup-2017/content/story/1110610.html |archive-date=13 July 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Raj-6000">{{cite web |title=Mithali Raj becomes leading run-scorer in women's ODI cricket; surpasses England's Charlotte Edwards |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/mithali-raj-becomes-leading-run-scorer-in-womens-odi-cricket-surpasses-englands-charlotte-edwards-4747402/ |work=Indian Express |date=12 July 2017 |access-date=12 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713204545/http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/mithali-raj-becomes-leading-run-scorer-in-womens-odi-cricket-surpasses-englands-charlotte-edwards-4747402/ |archive-date=13 July 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> She is the first player to score seven consecutive 50s in ODIs.<ref name="Mithali5500">{{cite web |url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/333723 |title=Meshram-Raj and spin quartet to the fore in emphatic India win |work=International Cricket Council |access-date=15 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216043247/https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/333723 |archive-date=16 February 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> She also holds the record for most half-centuries in WODIs.<ref>{{cite web |title=Records. Women's One-Day Internationals. Batting records. Most fifties in career |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/284107.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=13 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160327225104/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/284107.html |archive-date=27 March 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2005, Raj became the permanent captain of India. She is the only female player to have captained India in more than one ICC ODI World Cup final, doing so in the [[2005 Women's Cricket World Cup|2005]] and the [[2017 Women's Cricket World Cup|2017]].<ref>{{cite web |title=India's chance to spur a revolution |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8584/preview/1085975/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112141558/http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8584/preview/1085975/ |archive-date=12 November 2018 |access-date=22 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Team of the ICC Women's World Cup 2017 announced |url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/441890 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112141437/https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/441890 |archive-date=12 November 2018 |access-date=26 July 2017}}</ref>

In June 2018, during the [[2018 Women's Twenty20 Asia Cup]], she became the first player from India to score 2000 runs in T20Is. She also became the first female cricketer to reach 2000 [[Women's Twenty20 International|WT20I]] runs.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/mithali-raj-edges-virat-kohli-becomes-first-india-cricketer-to-score-2000-t20i-runs/articleshow/64494573.cms |title=Mithali Raj edges Virat Kohli, becomes first India cricketer to score 2000 T20I runs |website=[[The Times of India]] |date=7 June 2018 |access-date=7 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180607225926/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/mithali-raj-edges-virat-kohli-becomes-first-india-cricketer-to-score-2000-t20i-runs/articleshow/64494573.cms |archive-date=7 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/mithali-raj-becomes-the-first-woman-cricketer-to-score-2000-t20i-runs-1863976 |title=Women's Asia Cup: Mithali Raj Becomes First Woman To Reach 2000 T20I Runs – NDTV Sports |last=NDTVSports.com |work=NDTVSports.com |access-date=10 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180607230945/https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/mithali-raj-becomes-the-first-woman-cricketer-to-score-2000-t20i-runs-1863976 |archive-date=7 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/trending/trending-in-india/consistent-run-machine-mithali-raj-becomes-first-indian-to-score-2000-runs-in-t20is-fans-ecstatic/lite/ |title='Consistent run machine': Mithali Raj becomes FIRST Indian to score 2000 runs in T20Is; fans ECSTATIC |date=7 June 2018 |work=The Indian Express |access-date=10 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612135915/http://indianexpress.com/article/trending/trending-in-india/consistent-run-machine-mithali-raj-becomes-first-indian-to-score-2000-runs-in-t20is-fans-ecstatic/lite/ |archive-date=12 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 1 February 2019, during India's series [[India women's cricket team in New Zealand in 2018–19|against New Zealand Women]], Mithali Raj became the first woman to play in 200 ODI matches.<ref name="MR200">{{cite web |url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/990816 |title=Mithali Raj at 200: The best of a record-breaking career |work=International Cricket Council |access-date=1 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201224129/https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/990816 |archive-date=1 February 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2019 she announced her retirement from T20Is to focus on ODI cricket.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/27525711/mithali-raj-retires-t20i-cricket |title=Mithali Raj retires from T20I cricket |date=3 September 2019 |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=3 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190903101326/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/27525711/mithali-raj-retires-t20i-cricket |archive-date=3 September 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2019, she became the first woman to complete 20 years in international cricket.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/mithali-raj-becomes-1st-woman-to-complete-20-years-in-international-cricket/story-QUBMawyAUz9IQ0winXWVbK.html |title=Mithali Raj becomes 1st woman to complete 20 years in international cricket |date=9 October 2019 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |access-date=9 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009132321/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/mithali-raj-becomes-1st-woman-to-complete-20-years-in-international-cricket/story-QUBMawyAUz9IQ0winXWVbK.html |archive-date=9 October 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In July 2021, Raj broke [[Charlotte Edwards|Charlotte Edwards's]] record of 10,273 runs to become the player with the most runs in women's international cricket.<ref>{{cite web |title=Record-breaking Mithali Raj becomes leading run-scorer in women's international cricket |url=https://www.timesofsports.com/cricket/news/mithali-raj-becomes-leading-run-scorer/ |access-date=3 July 2021 |work=Times of Sports |archive-date=7 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707070213/https://www.timesofsports.com/cricket/news/mithali-raj-becomes-leading-run-scorer/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/57709198 |title=Mithali Raj: India captain becomes leading run-scorer in women's cricket |work=BBC Sport |access-date=3 July 2021 |archive-date=3 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703171915/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/57709198 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 8 June 2022, Raj announced her retirement from all formats of [[international cricket]].<ref>{{cite web |title=India's Mithali Raj announces retirement from international cricket |url=https://www.timesofsports.com/cricket/news/mithali-raj-retirement-veteran-indian-batter-announces-international-retirement/ |access-date=8 June 2022 |work=Times of Sports |date=8 June 2022 |archive-date=2 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702141348/https://www.timesofsports.com/cricket/news/mithali-raj-retirement-veteran-indian-batter-announces-international-retirement/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Early life ==
Mithali Raj was born on 3 December 1982, in [[Jodhpur]], [[Rajasthan]] to a [[Tamil language|Tamil]] speaking family.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/mithali-raj-tamil-mother-tongue-twitter-troll-indian-womens-cricket-captain-1609926-2019-10-16 |title=Mithali Raj shuts down troll: Tamil is my mother tongue but above all I am an Indian |website=India Today|date=16 October 2019 }}</ref> Her mother is Leela Raj, and her father, Dorai Raj, was a [[warrant officer]] in the [[Indian Air Force]]. She lives in [[Hyderabad]], [[Telangana]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Mithali Raj on pitch, but 1 1-year wait for 500 yards |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/mithali-raj-on-pitch-but-1-1-year-wait-for-500-yards/articleshow/59800990.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731145538/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/mithali-raj-on-pitch-but-1-1-year-wait-for-500-yards/articleshow/59800990.cms |archive-date=31 July 2017 |access-date=28 July 2017 |website=[[The Times of India]] |date=28 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Indian women will play test cricket after eight years, captain Mithali Raj happy |work=Patrika Group |issue=4 August 2014 |url=http://www.patrika.com/news/indian-women-will-play-test-cricket-after-eight-years-captain-mithali-raj-happy/1021699 |url-status=dead |access-date=4 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808053426/http://www.patrika.com/news/indian-women-will-play-test-cricket-after-eight-years-captain-mithali-raj-happy/1021699 |archive-date=8 August 2014}}</ref>

Raj started playing cricket at the age of ten. She graduated from Keyes High School for Girls in Hyderabad, and Kasturba Gandhi Junior College for Women in Secunderabad.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Telangana/2017-09-06/Cricketer-Mithali-Raj-felicitated/324598 |title=Cricketer Mithali Raj felicitated |publisher=The Hans India |date=7 September 2017 |access-date=20 August 2022 |archive-date=20 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820132751/https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Telangana/2017-09-06/Cricketer-Mithali-Raj-felicitated/324598 |url-status=live}}</ref> She received cricket coaching in elementary school alongside her older brother.<ref name="India Speakers Bureau">{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaspeakersbureau.in/mithali-raj/ |title=Mithali Raj at India Speakers Bureau |publisher=India Speakers Bureau |access-date=29 June 2021 |archive-date=29 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629111133/http://www.indiaspeakersbureau.in/mithali-raj/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Niharika Times">{{cite web |url=https://www.niharikatimes.com/sports-news/news/%e0%a4%ae%e0%a5%88%e0%a4%82%e0%a4%a8%e0%a5%87-%e0%a4%b5%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%b8%e0%a5%8d%e0%a4%a4%e0%a4%b5-%e0%a4%ae%e0%a5%87%e0%a4%82-%e0%a4%ad%e0%a4%b5%e0%a4%bf%e0%a4%b7%e0%a5%8d%e0%a4%af-%e0%a4%95-58280420.html |title=मैंने वास्तव में भविष्य के बारे में नहीं सोचा है : मिताली राज |date=17 October 2019 |publisher=Niharika Times |access-date=25 April 2022 |archive-date=25 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425053535/https://www.niharikatimes.com/sports-news/news/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%87-%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B5-%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%82-%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF-%E0%A4%95-58280420.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Domestic career ==
Raj played for Air India alongside [[Purnima Rau]], [[Anjum Chopra]], and [[Anju Jain]], before joining [[Railways cricket team|Railways]] for the domestic championship.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thebetterindia.com/27967/mithali-raj-indian-woman-cricketer/ |title=9 Things to Know About Mithali Raj – 2nd Woman Cricketer in the World with 5000 ODI Runs |last1=Katyal |first1=Surabhi |website=thebetterindia.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708163206/http://www.thebetterindia.com/27967/mithali-raj-indian-woman-cricketer/ |archive-date=8 July 2015 |access-date=9 February 2015}}</ref> She has played for the [[Supernovas (women's cricket)|Supernovas]] and [[Velocity (women's cricket)|Velocity]] in the [[Women's T20 Challenge]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami to miss Women's T20 Challenge 2022 as BCCI announces squads of three teams |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/mithali-raj-jhulan-goswami-to-miss-womens-t20-challenge-2022-as-bcci-announces-squads-of-three-teams-article-91593103 |access-date=16 May 2022 |website=TimesNow |date=16 May 2022 |language=en |archive-date=16 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516093828/https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/mithali-raj-jhulan-goswami-to-miss-womens-t20-challenge-2022-as-bcci-announces-squads-of-three-teams-article-91593103 |url-status=live}}</ref>

== International career ==
Raj has played all three of India's cricket formats: Test, ODI, and T20.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://thefield.scroll.in/823330/thank-you-mithali-raj-for-being-indian-crickets-evergreen-woman-in-blue |title=Thank you, Mithali Raj, for being Indian cricket's evergreen woman in blue |access-date=5 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161205195051/http://thefield.scroll.in/823330/thank-you-mithali-raj-for-being-indian-crickets-evergreen-woman-in-blue |archive-date=5 December 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> She was named among the probables for the [[1997 Women's Cricket World Cup]] when she was fourteen, but she did not make it to the final squad.<ref name="mithalidance">{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/icc-womens-world-cup-2017/mithali-raj-from-bharatnatyam-dancer-to-cricket-icon/articleshow/59571568.cms |title=Mithali Raj – From Bharatnatyam dancer to cricket icon |website=[[The Times of India]] |date=13 July 2017 |access-date=15 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716010933/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/icc-womens-world-cup-2017/mithali-raj-from-bharatnatyam-dancer-to-cricket-icon/articleshow/59571568.cms |archive-date=16 July 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> She made her ODI debut in 1999 against Ireland at [[Milton Keynes|Milton Keynes, UK]], and scored an unbeaten 114 runs. She made her Test debut in the 2001–02 season against South Africa at [[Lucknow|Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 June 2022 |title=Mithali Raj Biography: Birth, Age, Early Life, Cricket Career, Records, Awards & More |url=https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/mithali-raj-biography-1647080423-1 |access-date=29 January 2023 |website=Jagranjosh.com |archive-date=29 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129160529/https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/mithali-raj-biography-1647080423-1 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 17 August 2002, at the age of 19, she broke [[Karen Rolton]]'s world record for the highest individual test score of 209* in her third test, scoring a new high of 214 against England in the second and final test at County Ground, Taunton, UK.<ref>{{cite web |title=ESPNcricinfo – Women's Test Highest Individual Scores |url=http://static.espncricinfo.com/db/STATS/WOMEN/WT/BATTING/WT_AVS_BAT_HIGH_INNS_SCORES.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731100509/http://static.espncricinfo.com/db/STATS/WOMEN/WT/BATTING/WT_AVS_BAT_HIGH_INNS_SCORES.html |archive-date=31 July 2017 |access-date=15 February 2017}}</ref><ref name="cc 2018-08-16">{{cite web |last1=Mukherjee |first1=Abhishek |date=16 August 2018 |title=The day Mithali Raj registered the highest ever Test score |url=https://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/the-day-mithali-raj-registered-the-highest-ever-test-score-483641 |access-date=15 March 2021 |website=[[CricketCountry.com]] |archive-date=27 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127201754/https://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/the-day-mithali-raj-registered-the-highest-ever-test-score-483641 |url-status=live}}</ref> The record has since been surpassed by [[Kiran Baluch]] of [[Pakistan]], who scored 242 against the West Indies in March 2004.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/284255.html |title=Most runs in an innings (progressive record holder) in Women's Test matches |access-date=17 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818103734/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/284255.html |archive-date=18 August 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In South Africa in 2005, Raj led India to their first finals in [[2005 Women's Cricket World Cup]], where they lost to [[Australia]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/why-women-s-cricket-world-cup-final-is-extra-special-for-mithali-raj-jhulan-goswami/story-RZvrp01lhhm3uN634vZ65N.html |title=Why Women's Cricket World Cup final is extra special for Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami |date=22 July 2017 |access-date=22 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723024318/http://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/why-women-s-cricket-world-cup-final-is-extra-special-for-mithali-raj-jhulan-goswami/story-RZvrp01lhhm3uN634vZ65N.html |archive-date=23 July 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In August 2006 she led her team to their first-ever Test series victory in England, and concluded the year by successfully defending the Asia Cup without losing a single game.<ref name="Google Books">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BK04DwAAQBAJ&dq=without+dropping+a+single+game+Mithali+RAj+won+the+asia+cup+2006&pg=PA81 |title=Quarterly Current Affairs July-September 2017 |isbn=9789386629593 |last1=Experts |first1=Disha |date=6 October 2017 |publisher=Disha Publications |access-date=18 November 2021 |archive-date=7 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307202605/https://books.google.com/books?id=BK04DwAAQBAJ&dq=without+dropping+a+single+game+Mithali+RAj+won+the+asia+cup+2006&pg=PA81 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Mithali Raj won the 2003 [[Arjuna award]].

At the 2013 Women's World Cup, Raj was the number 1 woman ODI cricketer. In her career {{citation needed|date=February 2023}}, she scored one century and four fifties in Test cricket, five centuries and five fifties in ODIs, together with best bowling figures of 3–4 in ODIs, and ten fifties in T20s.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.yogems.com/yopedia/mithali-200-odis-player-and-highest-run-scorer/ |title=Mithali 200 ODIs player and highest run-scorer |date=1 March 2019 |website=YoGems |access-date=26 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408071728/https://www.yogems.com/yopedia/mithali-200-odis-player-and-highest-run-scorer/ |archive-date=8 April 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In February 2017 she became the second player to score 5,500 runs in ODIs.<ref name="Mithali5500" />
Raj is the first player to captain the most matches for India in ODI and T20I.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283425.html |title=Records. Women's One-Day Internationals. Individual records (Captains, players, umpires). Most matches as captain. |access-date=21 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222083635/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283425.html |archive-date=22 February 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/Afghanistan/content/records/283424.html |title=Records. Women's Twenty20 Internationals. Individual records (captains, players, umpires). Most matches as captain |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=27 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911205942/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/Afghanistan/content/records/283424.html |archive-date=11 September 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In July 2017 she became the first player to score 6,000 runs in WODIs. She led the Indian team to the [[2017 Women's Cricket World Cup Final|final]] of the [[2017 Women's Cricket World Cup]] where the team lost to [[England national women's cricket team|England]] by nine runs.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8584/commentary/1085975/England-Women-vs-India-Women-Final-ICC-Women's-World-Cup-2017 |title=Final, ICC Women's World Cup at London, Jul 23 2017. Match Commentary |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=27 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170726033246/http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8584/commentary/1085975/England-Women-vs-India-Women-Final-ICC-Women's-World-Cup-2017 |archive-date=26 July 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[https://www.bbc.com/sport/live/cricket/40035680 World Cup Final] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501051206/https://www.bbc.com/sport/live/cricket/40035680 |date=1 May 2018 }}, BBC Sport, 23 July 2017.</ref><ref name=sum3>[https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2017/jul/23/england-v-india-womens-world-cup-final-live England v India: Women's World Cup final – live!] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723225032/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2017/jul/23/england-v-india-womens-world-cup-final-live |date=23 July 2017 }}, ''The Guardian'', 23 July 2017.</ref>

In December 2017 she played on the ICC Women's ODI Team of the Year.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/three-indian-women-in-icc-teams/article22171183.ece |title=Three Indian Women in ICC Teams |work=The Hindu |date=21 December 2017 |access-date=21 December 2017 |archive-date=9 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909153028/https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/three-indian-women-in-icc-teams/article22171183.ece |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ICCW">{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/21834245/ellyse-perry-declared-icc-women-cricketer-year |title=Ellyse Perry declared ICC's Women's Cricketer of the Year |access-date=21 December 2017 |work=ESPNcricinfo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030193603/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/21834245/ellyse-perry-declared-icc-women-cricketer-year |archive-date=30 October 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In October 2018 she played on India's squad for the [[2018 ICC Women's World Twenty20]] tournament in the West Indies.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bcci.tv/news/2018/press-releases/17669/indian-womens-team-for-icc-womens-world-twenty20-announced |title=Indian Women's Team for ICC Women's World Twenty20 announced |work=Board of Control for Cricket in India |access-date=28 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928121529/http://www.bcci.tv/news/2018/press-releases/17669/indian-womens-team-for-icc-womens-world-twenty20-announced |archive-date=28 September 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/863769 |title=India Women bank on youth for WT20 campaign |work=International Cricket Council |access-date=28 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928161228/https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/863769 |archive-date=28 September 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Raj retired from T20I cricket in September 2019, saying in a BCCI press statement: "After representing India in T20 internationals since 2006, I wish to retire from T20Is to focus my energies on readying myself for the 2021 one-day World Cup".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/27525711/mithali-raj-retires-t20i-cricket |title=Mithali Raj retires from T20I cricket |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=4 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190903101326/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/27525711/mithali-raj-retires-t20i-cricket |archive-date=3 September 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/mithali-raj-motivated-sachin-tendulkar-shares-throwback-practice-video-1604095-2019-09-28 |title=Mithali Raj is 'motivated' after Sachin Tendulkar shares throwback practice video |newspaper=India Today |language=en |access-date=5 October 2019 |agency=Ist |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001135536/https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/mithali-raj-motivated-sachin-tendulkar-shares-throwback-practice-video-1604095-2019-09-28 |archive-date=1 October 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In November 2020, Raj was nominated for the Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Award for ICC Female Cricketer of the Decade, and the award for women's ODI cricketer of the decade.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/30385388/virat-kohli,-kane-williamson,-steven-smith,-joe-root-nominated-icc-men-cricketer-decade-award |title=Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steven Smith, Joe Root nominated for ICC men's cricketer of the decade award |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=25 November 2020 |archive-date=1 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201025800/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/30385388/virat-kohli,-kane-williamson,-steven-smith,-joe-root-nominated-icc-men-cricketer-decade-award |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/1908769 |title=ICC Awards of the Decade announced |work=International Cricket Council |access-date=25 November 2020 |archive-date=20 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120224617/https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/1908769 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In May 2021 she was named captain of India's [[Women's Test cricket|Test squad]] for their one-off (one-time only) match against the [[India women's cricket team in England in 2021|England women's cricket team]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bcci.tv/articles/2021/news/154389/india-s-senior-women-squad-for-the-only-test-match-odi-t20i-series-against-england-announced |title=India's Senior Women squad for the only Test match, ODI & T20I series against England announced |work=Board of Control for Cricket in India |access-date=14 May 2021 |archive-date=9 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609190714/https://www.bcci.tv/articles/2021/news/154389/india-s-senior-women-squad-for-the-only-test-match-odi-t20i-series-against-england-announced |url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2022, she was named captain of India's team for the [[2022 Women's Cricket World Cup]] in New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/womens-odi-world-cup-2022-renuka-singh-meghna-singh-yastika-bhatia-break-into-indias-world-cup-squad-1295643 |title=Renuka Singh, Meghna Singh, Yastika Bhatia break into India's World Cup squad |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=6 January 2022 |archive-date=6 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106081643/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/womens-odi-world-cup-2022-renuka-singh-meghna-singh-yastika-bhatia-break-into-indias-world-cup-squad-1295643 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 8 June 2022, Raj announced her retirement from all formats of [[International cricket]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 June 2022 |title=Mithali Raj retires from all forms of cricket after 23 years and 10,868 runs for India |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/mithali-raj-announces-her-retirement-from-all-forms-of-international-cricket-1959868-2022-06-08 |website=[[India Today]] |access-date=8 June 2022 |archive-date=8 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608091320/https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/mithali-raj-announces-her-retirement-from-all-forms-of-international-cricket-1959868-2022-06-08 |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Coaching career ==
Raj was the batting consultant for [[India women's national cricket team]], and has played as a [[player-coach]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Garg |first1=Chitra |title=Indian Champions: Profiles of Famous Indian Sportspersons |date=2010 |publisher=Rajpal & Sons |location=New Delhi, India |isbn=9788170288527 |page=158}}</ref>

== Records ==

* Raj is nicknamed "Lady Tendulkar of Indian Women's cricket", as she is currently the all-time leading run-scorer for India in all formats, including Tests, [[One Day International|ODIs]] and T20Is.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/mithali-raj-1024125-2017-07-13 |title=The 34-year-old Padma Shri winner, who made her debut at the age of 16, has often been called the Sachin Tendulkar of Indian women's cricket |website=India Today |date=13 July 2017 |access-date=21 February 2020 |archive-date=21 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221170744/https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/mithali-raj-1024125-2017-07-13 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* During the [[2017 Women's Cricket World Cup]], Raj scored her seventh consecutive half-century, and notched the record for most consecutive fifties by a player.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/india-vs-england-icc-women-world-cup-mithali-raj-creates-unique-record-with-7th-consecutive-fifty-4720150/ |title=India vs England, ICC Women's World Cup 2017: Mithali Raj creates world record with 7th consecutive fifty |author=Express Web Desk |access-date=3 July 2017 |date=25 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170627103252/http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/india-vs-england-icc-women-world-cup-mithali-raj-creates-unique-record-with-7th-consecutive-fifty-4720150/ |archive-date=27 June 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/284101.html |title=Records. Women's One-Day Internationals. Batting records. Fifties in consecutive innings |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=13 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170719201236/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/284101.html |archive-date=19 July 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* Raj is the 1st Indian and 5th woman cricketer overall to score over 1,000 World Cup runs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=68;type=trophy |title=Records / Women's World Cup / Most runs |access-date=15 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124180244/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=68;type=trophy |archive-date=24 November 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* She holds the record for playing the most consecutive [[Women's One Day International cricket|Women's One Day Internationals]] for a team (109).<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283479.html |title=Records. Women's One-Day Internationals. Individual records (captains, players, umpires). Most consecutive matches for a team |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=26 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170726040555/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283479.html |archive-date=26 July 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Mithali Raj was involved in controversy with cricket management because of  her attitude towards the game during the [[2018 ICC Women's World Twenty20]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/mithali-raj-bcci-coa-harmanpreet-kaur-ramesh-powar-india-women-s-world-t20-1397232-2018-11-27 |title=Mithali Raj accuses coach Ramesh Powar of bias: He humiliated me |date=27 November 2018 |access-date=29 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129194704/https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/mithali-raj-bcci-coa-harmanpreet-kaur-ramesh-powar-india-women-s-world-t20-1397232-2018-11-27 |archive-date=29 November 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> In a letter to the [[Board of Control for Cricket in India|BCCI]], she accused coach [[Ramesh Powar]] and BCCI COA member [[Diana Edulji]] of bias, and of humiliating her by not including her in the T20 world cup semifinals.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/mithali-raj-icc-women-world-t20-india-team-selection-5467260/ |title=Mithali Raj accuses Diana Edulji of bias, claims 'people out to destroy me' |date=27 November 2018 |website=The Indian Express |access-date=27 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129225218/https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/mithali-raj-icc-women-world-t20-india-team-selection-5467260/ |archive-date=29 November 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> Powar, in turn, criticized Raj for threatening to retire from cricket when asked to play down the batting order.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/25400023/mithali-raj-threatened-retire-open-ramesh-powar |title=Mithali Raj threatened to retire if she couldn't open - Ramesh Powar |date=28 November 2018 |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=27 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129013316/http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/25400023/mithali-raj-threatened-retire-open-ramesh-powar |archive-date=29 November 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> He further accused Raj of "blackmailing and pressuring coaches" and causing division in the team during the recently concluded World T20. He added, "despite being a senior player in the team she puts in minimum inputs in team meetings. She could not understand and adapt to the team plan. She ignored her role and batted for own milestones. Lack of keeping the momentum going which was putting extra pressure on other batters."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/mithali-raj-writes-to-bcci-accuses-coa-member-diana-edulji-coach-ramesh-powar-of-bias/320840 |title=Mithali Raj Accuses CoA Member Diana Edulji, Coach Ramesh Powar Of Bias |website=Outlook (India) |date=27 November 2018 |access-date=3 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190903173742/https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/mithali-raj-writes-to-bcci-accuses-coa-member-diana-edulji-coach-ramesh-powar-of-bias/320840 |archive-date=3 September 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> Coach Powar also criticized Raj's 50 against Ireland in the same tournament, in which she ended up playing 25 dot balls.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://khabar.ndtv.com/news/cricket/now-women-team-coash-ramesh-powar-came-up-with-such-allegations-against-mithali-raj-1955047 |title=ab mithali ne 25 dot ball khele |website=NDTVIndia |access-date=27 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129120100/https://khabar.ndtv.com/news/cricket/now-women-team-coash-ramesh-powar-came-up-with-such-allegations-against-mithali-raj-1955047 |archive-date=29 November 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Her relationship with the T20 team's captain [[Harmanpreet Kaur]] was strained.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/article/mithali-raj-terms-harmanpreet-kaurs-decision-to-back-coachs-decision-to-bench-me-in-the-semi-final-hurtful/321824 |title=Mithali Raj terms Harmanpreet Kaur's decision to back coach's decision to bench me in the semi-final "hurtful". Cricket News |website=www.timesnownews.com |date=27 November 2018 |access-date=27 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130071610/https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/article/mithali-raj-terms-harmanpreet-kaurs-decision-to-back-coachs-decision-to-bench-me-in-the-semi-final-hurtful/321824 |archive-date=30 November 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> However, after reappointment of Ramesh Powar as Head Coach of the Indian women's cricket team in May 2021, the two have reconciled.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ramesh Powar Re-Appointed as Head Coach of Indian Women's Cricket team |url=https://www.timesofsports.com/cricket/ramesh-powar-appointed-as-india-womens-coach/ |website=Times of Sports |date=14 May 2021 |access-date=6 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190428/https://www.timesofsports.com/cricket/ramesh-powar-appointed-as-india-womens-coach/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Raj and Kaur confirmed in various interviews that there was no bad blood between them.{{Citation needed|date=September 2022}}

== Awards ==
[[File:The President, Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam presenting the Arjuna Award, 2003 to Ms. Mithali Raj at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on 2003 (Low Resolution).png|thumb|Mithali receiving [[Arjuna Award]] from President [[A. P. J. Abdul Kalam]] on 2003]]
[[File:The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presenting the Padma Shri Award to Ms. Mithali Raj, at a Civil Investiture Ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on April 08, 2015.jpg|thumb|President Shri [[Pranab Mukherjee]] presenting the [[Padma Shri]] Award to Mithali Raj, [[New Delhi]], 8 April 2015]]
[[File:The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind presenting the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, 2021 to Ms. Mithali Raj for Cricket, in a glittering ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on November 13, 2021.jpg|thumb|Receiving [[Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award]] from President [[Ramnath Kovind]] on 13 November 2021]]
{| class="wikitable"
!Year
!Award
!Notes
|-
|2003
|[[Arjuna Award]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://yas.nic.in/yasroot/awards/arjuna.htm |title=List of Arjuna Awardees |publisher=Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071225221945/http://yas.nic.in/yasroot/awards/arjuna.htm |archive-date=25 December 2007 |access-date=27 January 2015}}</ref>
| Second Highest Sporting Honour of India 
|-
|2015
|[[Padma Shri]]
|India's fourth highest civilian award<ref name="pdma">{{cite web |url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=114952 |title=Padma Awards 2015 |publisher=Press Information Bureau |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128022143/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=114952 |archive-date=28 January 2015 |url-status=dead |access-date=25 January 2015}}</ref>
|-
|2017
|Youth Sports Icon of Excellence Award.!
|At the Radiant Wellness Conclave, Chennai<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/240917/conclave-highlights-need-for-holistic-health.html |title=Conclave highlights need for holistic health |date=24 September 2017 |work=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |access-date=24 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924193222/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/240917/conclave-highlights-need-for-holistic-health.html |archive-date=24 September 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|2017
|Vogue Sportsperson of the Year
|At ''Vogue''{{'}}s 10th anniversary<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://everythingexperiential.businessworld.in/article/Vogue-celebrates-10th-anniversary-with-1st-Vogue-Women-of-the-Year-Awards/26-09-2017-126984/ |title=Vogue celebrates 10th anniversary with 1st Vogue Women of the Year Awards |work=Everything Experiential |access-date=27 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927155352/http://everythingexperiential.businessworld.in/article/Vogue-celebrates-10th-anniversary-with-1st-Vogue-Women-of-the-Year-Awards/26-09-2017-126984/ |archive-date=27 September 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|2017
|[[100 Women (BBC)|BBC 100 Women]]<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/off-the-field/mithali-raj-features-on-bbcs-100-women-list/articleshow/60857009.cms |title=Mithali Raj features on BBC's 100 Women list - Times of India |work=The Times of India |access-date=27 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930025513/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/off-the-field/mithali-raj-features-on-bbcs-100-women-list/articleshow/60857009.cms |archive-date=30 September 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|
|-
|2017
|[[Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in the World|''Wisden'' Leading Woman Cricketer in the World]]
|
|-
|2021
|[[Khel Ratna Award]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 November 2021 |title=National Sports Awards 2021: Neeraj Chopra, Lovlina Borgohain, Mithali Raj Among 9 Others to Get Khel Ratna |url=https://www.news18.com/news/sports/national-sports-awards-2021-neeraj-chopra-lovlina-borgohain-mithali-raj-among-9-others-to-get-khel-ratna-4396067.html |access-date=2 November 2021 |website=News18 |language=en |archive-date=3 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103164948/https://www.news18.com/news/sports/national-sports-awards-2021-neeraj-chopra-lovlina-borgohain-mithali-raj-among-9-others-to-get-khel-ratna-4396067.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
|Highest sporting honour of India
|}

== Outside cricket ==

=== Personal life and interests ===
She is a [[Bharatanatyam]] dancer.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thequint.com/cricket/2017/07/01/10-things-to-know-about-india-captain-mithali-raj |title=Records, Hobbies, Idols: 10 Things to Know About Mithali Raj |date=1 July 2017 |website=The Quint |language=en |access-date=29 February 2020 |archive-date=7 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307202618/https://www.thequint.com/sports/cricket/10-things-to-know-about-india-captain-mithali-raj |url-status=live}}</ref>

===In popular culture ===
After the 2017 [[Women's Cricket World Cup]], [[Viacom 18 Motion Pictures]] acquired the rights to make a feature film of Raj's life. She said, "Hoping that this movie inspires more people, especially young girls to take up sports as a career".<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/a-biopic-on-indian-women-cricket-team-captain-mithali-raj-in-the-works-4861858/ |title=A biopic on Indian women's cricket team captain Mithali Raj in the works |date=26 September 2017 |work=The Indian Express |access-date=29 September 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929085147/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/a-biopic-on-indian-women-cricket-team-captain-mithali-raj-in-the-works-4861858/ |archive-date=29 September 2017}}</ref>

Shooting was scheduled to start in 2019. Raj said "I think Priyanka Chopra will be a great choice (to play me in the biopic). Our personalities match a lot. I am not a movie buff, so I'd love the experts to do their job."<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/mithali-raj-says-priyanka-chopra-ideal-choice-for-her-biopic/articleshow/64905396.cms |title=Mithali Raj says Priyanka Chopra ideal choice for her biopic - Times of India |work=The Times of India |access-date=12 July 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819134107/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/mithali-raj-says-priyanka-chopra-ideal-choice-for-her-biopic/articleshow/64905396.cms |archive-date=19 August 2018}}</ref> However, finally [[Taapsee Pannu]] was cast in the role of Mithali Raj in a biopic titled ''[[Shabaash Mithu]]''. [[Rahul Dholakia]] was to direct in 2020. However, filming was delayed due to COVID-19. In June 2021, [[Srijit Mukherji]] replaced Dholakia as director.<ref>{{cite news |date=3 December 2019 |title=Mithali Raj's biopic 'Shabaash Mithu' confirmed; Taapsee Pannu 'honoured' to portray cricketer's story |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/mithali-raj-gets-a-special-birthday-present-from-taapsee-pannu-actress-set-to-lead-cricket-legends-biopic/articleshow/72343234.cms |access-date=12 January 2020 |archive-date=18 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018143928/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/mithali-raj-gets-a-special-birthday-present-from-taapsee-pannu-actress-set-to-lead-cricket-legends-biopic/articleshow/72343234.cms |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/just-in-director-srijit-mukherji-has-replaced-rahul-dholakia-as-the-director-of-taapsee-pannu-starrer-shabaash-mithu/articleshow/83747714.cms |title=Just in! Director Srijit Mukherji has replaced Rahul Dholakia as the director of Taapsee Pannu-starrer 'Shabaash Mithu' |work=The Times of India |date=22 June 2021 |access-date=3 December 2021}}</ref> The film was released on 15 July 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Taapsee Pannu starring Shabaash Mithu releases on the big screen on July 15, 2022 |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/taapsee-pannu-starring-shabaash-mithu-releases-big-screen-july-15-2022/ |access-date=8 June 2022 |website=Bollywood Hungama |language=en |archive-date=9 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609043227/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/taapsee-pannu-starring-shabaash-mithu-releases-big-screen-july-15-2022/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The movie was a [[Box-office bomb|financial disaster]], earning only rupees 2.88 [[crore]] from a budget of 30.0 crore.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Shabaash Mithu Box Office Collection. India. Day Wise. Box Office |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/shabaash-mithu/box-office/ |access-date=9 August 2022 |website=Bollywood Hungama |date= 15 July 2022|language=en |archive-date=11 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811195718/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/shabaash-mithu/box-office/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |last2= |first2= |last3= |first3= |title=Shabaash Mithu box office collection Day 7: Taapsee Pannu's film performs poorly |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/shabaash-mithu-box-office-collection-day-7-taapsee-pannu-s-film-performs-poorly-1978514-2022-07-22 |access-date=9 August 2022 |website=India Today |date= 22 July 2022|language=en |archive-date=9 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809082317/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/shabaash-mithu-box-office-collection-day-7-taapsee-pannu-s-film-performs-poorly-1978514-2022-07-22 |url-status=live}}</ref>

== References ==
=== Citations ===
{{reflist}}

=== Further reading ===
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite journal |last1=Ghosh |first1=Annesha |title='I hope I see the day when people acknowledge men's and women's cricket equally' |journal=[[The Cricket Monthly]] |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=27 March 2020 |url=https://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/1219778/-i-hope-i-see-the-day-when-people-acknowledge-men-s-and-women-s-cricket-equally |access-date=3 July 2020 |archive-date=25 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625000818/https://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/1219778/-i-hope-i-see-the-day-when-people-acknowledge-men-s-and-women-s-cricket-equally |url-status=live}}
* {{cite journal |last1=Kishore |first1=Shashank |title=Profile: The sleepy girl who woke up a generation |journal=The Cricket Monthly |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=September 2016 |url=http://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/1041251/the-sleepy-girl-who-woke-up-a-generation |access-date=24 March 2017 |archive-date=22 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322165755/http://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/1041251/the-sleepy-girl-who-woke-up-a-generation |url-status=live}}
* {{cite news |last1=Patwardhan |first1=Deepti |title=Mithali Raj: The 'sleepy' girl who changed Indian cricket forever |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-61741814 |access-date=14 October 2022 |work=[[BBC News]] |date=10 June 2022 |archive-date=14 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014124726/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-61741814 |url-status=live}}
* {{cite book |last1=Raj |first1=Mithali |title=Unguarded: An Autobiography |date=2018 |publisher=Penguin Books India |location=Gurugram, Haryana |isbn=9780670090563}}
* {{cite web |author1=Staff writer |title=India great Raj retires from internationals |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/61731405 |website=[[BBC Sport]] |access-date=14 October 2022 |date=8 June 2022 |archive-date=14 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014124715/https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/61731405 |url-status=live}}
{{refend}}

== External links ==
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* {{ESPNcricinfo}}
* {{Facebook}}
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[[Category:1982 births]]
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