Mithali Raj Biography: Age, Records, Career and Life After Cricket
Mithali Raj is a former captain of the India women’s cricket team, born on 3 December 1982 in Jodhpur and raised in Hyderabad. She holds the record for the most runs in women’s ODI cricket and played international cricket for 23 years before retiring in June 2022. In 2026 she joined the ICC commentary panel for the Women’s T20 World Cup.
Why Mithali Raj Is a Legend
- Highest run-scorer in women’s ODI history
- Captained India in the 2005 and 2017 ODI World Cup finals
- Played international cricket from 1999 to 2022
- Biopic Shabaash Mithu (2022) starred Taapsee Pannu
- ICC commentator at the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup
Mithali Raj Profile
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Mithali Dorai Raj |
| Date of birth | 3 December 1982 |
| Age | 43 (turns 44 on 3 December 2026) |
| Birthplace | Jodhpur, Rajasthan |
| Raised in | Hyderabad, Telangana |
| Role | Right-handed batter; former India captain |
| ODI debut | 26 June 1999 vs Ireland |
| Test debut | January 2002 vs South Africa |
| Retired | 8 June 2022 |
| Father | Dorai Raj (Indian Air Force officer) |
| Mother | Leela Raj |
| Marital status | Unmarried |
Records and Milestones
- Most runs in women’s ODI cricket: 7,805 runs in 232 matches
- Century on ODI debut: 114 not out against Ireland in 1999
- Test double century (214) against England in 2002, aged 19
- Led India to two ODI World Cup finals, in 2005 and 2017
- Longest international career in women’s cricket: over 22 years
Career Timeline (1999–2022)
1999–2004: A record-breaking start
She scored 114 not out on her ODI debut in 1999. In 2002, aged 19, she made 214 against England in a Test.
2005–2016: Captain and run machine
She led India to their first ODI World Cup final in 2005. She became the leading run-scorer in women’s ODIs in 2017.
2017–2022: Final chapter
Her team reached the 2017 World Cup final at Lord’s, sparking wide interest in women’s cricket in India. She retired from all international cricket on 8 June 2022.
Childhood and Bharatanatyam
Mithali was born in Jodhpur to Dorai Raj, an Air Force officer, and Leela Raj. The family settled in Secunderabad.
She trained as a Bharatanatyam dancer as a child before choosing cricket, which she started at the age of 10.
Awards and Honours
| Year | Award | For |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Arjuna Award | Cricket |
| 2015 | Padma Shri | Sports |
| 2021 | Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna | Cricket |
Mithali Raj Now (2026)
In June 2026 the ICC named her to the commentary panel for the Women’s T20 World Cup in England (12 June – 5 July 2026).
She has also worked as a mentor in the Women’s Premier League.
Personal Life
Mithali Raj is unmarried. She has spoken about choosing to focus on her cricket career.
Lesser-Known Facts About Mithali Raj
- She often read books in the dressing room before going out to bat.
- Taapsee Pannu played her in the biopic Shabaash Mithu (2022).
Social Media
- Instagram: @mithaliraj
- X: @M_Raj03
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Mithali Raj?
Mithali Raj was born on 3 December 1982, so she is 43 and turns 44 on 3 December 2026.
How many runs did Mithali Raj score in ODIs?
She scored 7,805 runs in 232 ODIs, the most in women’s ODI history.
When did Mithali Raj retire?
She retired from all international cricket on 8 June 2022.
Is Mithali Raj married?
No. Mithali Raj is unmarried.
What is Mithali Raj doing now?
In 2026 she is a commentator on the ICC panel for the Women’s T20 World Cup and has worked as a WPL mentor.
Who played Mithali Raj in her biopic?
Taapsee Pannu played her in Shabaash Mithu (2022).
Related Biographies
Sources