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Explore Mithali Raj’s biography — her age, education, net worth, career achievements, and personal life. Discover how this legend shaped women’s cricket in India.
Mithali Dorai Raj is one of the most iconic figures in women’s cricket. Revered for her elegant batting, calm leadership, and longevity in the sport, she led India across multiple World Cups and set many records along the way. Born in Rajasthan and raised in Hyderabad, Mithali’s journey from early childhood coaching sessions to becoming the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket is inspiring. Though she retired from international cricket in 2022, her legacy continues through her impact, mentoring roles, and high visibility in Indian sports culture.
Highlights of This Biography
- Date of Birth: 3 December 1982 — she is about 42-43 years old in 2025.
- Full Name: Mithali Dorai Raj.
- Net Worth: Estimated at about ₹35-45 crore INR (approx US$4.5-5 million) as of 2025.
- Education: Schooled at Keyes High School for Girls, Hyderabad; Intermediate studies at Kasturba Gandhi Junior College for Women, Secunderabad.
- International Cricket Career: Debuted in ODIs in 1999, Tests in 2002, T20Is in 2006; retired from all international formats in June 2022.
- Marital Status & Children: Unmarried; no public record of a spouse or children.
- Major Awards: Arjuna Award (2003), Padma Shri (2015), Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (2021), various records & honors in cricket.
Early Life & Education
Mithali Raj was born on 3 December 1982 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, into a Tamil family. Her father, Dorai Raj, served as a warrant officer in the Indian Air Force. Her mother is Leela Raj. She has an elder brother, Mithun Raj.
She spent a good part of her upbringing in Hyderabad, Telangana. She studied at Keyes High School for Girls in Hyderabad and later attended Kasturba Gandhi Junior College for Women in Secunderabad. From about age ten, Mithali began learning cricket, often practicing with her brother and under school coaching, developing her batting technique and mental toughness early on.
Cricket Career & Achievements
Mithali’s international debut came in 1999, when she played her first ODI against Ireland; she scored an unbeaten century (114*) in that debut. She played her first Test match in 2002 against England, and her first T20 International in 2006.
Over her long career, Mithali achieved many milestones:
- Highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket.
- First female player to exceed 7,000 ODI runs.
- Captained India in multiple ICC ODI World Cup finals (2005, 2017).
- Holds records for most half-centuries in women’s ODIs.
- Maintained a batting average above 50 in ODIs — rare in both men’s and women’s cricket.
In June 2022, she announced retirement from all formats of international cricket, closing a career spanning more than two decades. Her performances have been honored with many awards and her influence remains strong in women’s cricket.
Personal Life: Husband & Children Status
As of 2025, Mithali Raj is unmarried and there is no publicly confirmed information about her having a husband or children. She has spoken in media interviews about being content and focused on her work in cricket, mentorship, commentary, and promoting women’s sport.
Net Worth & Income Sources
Mithali’s net worth is estimated between ₹35-45 crore INR (≈ US$4.5-5 million) as of 2025. Her earnings have come from:
- BCCI central contracts and match fees (during her playing years).
- Endorsements and brand deals.
- Media appearances, commentary, and public speaking.
- Residuals and royalties (including from her biopic Shabaash Mithu).
Though she is retired from playing, her influence, visibility, and roles in cricket administration/media continue to contribute to her income and legacy.
Awards & Recognitions
Mithali Raj has received many of India’s top honors:
- Arjuna Award (2003) for outstanding achievement in sport.
- Padma Shri (2015), a civilian honor.
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (2021), India’s highest sporting award.
- Various cricketing records: most ODI hundreds by women, records for most runs, numerous captaincy credits.
She is widely respected not just for statistics, but for her grace on and off the field, leadership, and breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport.
Conclusion
Mithali Raj’s biography tells the story of perseverance, grace, and historic achievement. From a young girl in Rajasthan/Hyderabad who started playing cricket at ten, she grew to become a symbol of excellence in women’s sport—highest run‐scorer, record holder, decorated awardee. Retiring in 2022, she left behind an unmatched legacy and continues to inspire future generations.
Her decision to remain single has been a personal choice and part of her long career focus. Her net worth reflects her long commitment and status. For cricket fans and aspiring players alike, Mithali Raj’s life is a powerful reminder of what discipline, skill, and passion can achieve.
FAQs About Mithali Raj’s Biography
What is Mithali Raj’s age?
She was born on 3 December 1982, making her about 42-43 years old in 2025.
What is Mithali Raj’s net worth?
Estimates place her net worth between ₹35-45 crore INR (≈ US$4.5-5 million), from earnings, endorsements, media, and brand roles.
Is Mithali Raj married?
No — as of 2025, she is unmarried, and there is no public record of a spouse or children.
What is her educational background?
She studied at Keyes High School for Girls in Hyderabad and then Kasturba Gandhi Junior College for Women in Secunderabad.
When did she retire from international cricket?
She announced her retirement from all formats in June 2022.
What are some of her major cricketing achievements?
She is India’s highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket, captained India to multiple World Cup finals, first woman to score over 7,000 ODI runs, and recipient of India’s top sporting honors.
What awards has she won?
Among her awards: Arjuna Award (2003), Padma Shri (2015), Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (2021), plus many records and national recognitions.
