Mithali Raj: The Woman Who Changed Indian Cricket Forever

In a world of men, she rose as India’s cricketing queen, only to face battles off the field that shook her to the core.

Mithali Raj, the face of Indian women’s cricket for two decades, a star who shattered records, defied norms and inspired a generation. Yet, her remarkable career was marred by a bitter fallout with former Indian women’s team coach, Ramesh Powar.

Mithali Raj’s journey to stardom began in Secunderabad. As a young girl, she loved to sleep till late, but her father, a retired Air Force officer, had other plans. Dragging her to her brother’s cricket practices to break her habit, he didn’t know he was about to uncover a prodigy. Sitting by the boundary, Mithali began casually batting around, and her effortless strokes caught the eye of coach Jyothi Prasad. What began as a quiet hobby soon turned into a full-blown dream.

At just 16, Mithali stunned the world with her international debut in 1999 against Ireland, scoring an unbeaten 114 — a star was born. Just three years later, she etched her name in history with a record-breaking 214 against England in a Test match. By 2003, she was an indispensable player, and in 2005, she led India to its first-ever Women’s World Cup final. Although they fell to Australia, her leadership had set a new standard.

Under Mithali’s captaincy, India’s women became a powerhouse in Asia, capturing multiple Asia Cup titles. But the 2013 World Cup on home soil was tough, with India finishing seventh. Even then, Mithali’s position was untouchable as she guided the team through a difficult rebuild.

And then, 2017 World Cup happened. Mithali and her team scripted history by reaching the final, a feat that captured the nation’s heart. Though they narrowly lost to England, it raised India’s profile globally, and Mithali was at the centre of it all.

But the highs of 2017 were soon shadowed by controversy. Mithali’s simmering conflict with coach Ramesh Powar erupted in 2018 when she was shockingly benched in the T20 World Cup semi-final against England.

Mithali’s absence raised eyebrows across the cricketing world, and soon the ugly details emerged. Accusations flew. Mithali claimed Powar had “humiliated” her and undermined her contributions, while Powar countered that Mithali prioritized personal milestones over the team. The rift became a national talking point, dividing fans and casting a cloud over her illustrious career.

Though Powar was eventually removed, the fallout left scars on Mithali’s legacy. And in 2022, she announced her retirement with a social media post, ending an extraordinary era.

But how does one measure Mithali Raj’s impact on Indian cricket? By a simple comparison - The legendary Sachin Tendulkar gave 24 years to the Men in Blue, and Mithali, she dedicated 23 years to the Women in Blue—a true titan of the game. She wasn’t just a player—she was a pioneer, blazing a trail that no Indian woman had walked before.

Her journey is nothing short of epic. She gave Indian women’s cricket a face, a name, and a legacy. Her story will forever remain an inspiration for young girls who dare to dream big