After making her debut in 1999 at the age of 16, Mithali played 12 Tests, 232 ODIs and 89 T20Is. His total of 10,868 international runs in 333 matches – ODIs, Tests and T20Is – would be something to beat. The 39-year-old scored 7,805 runs in ODIs at an average of 50.7 – a world record – and led India to 89 wins in 155 ODIs, the most for any female captain.
The highest run-scorer in women’s cricket and the only Indian captain – male or female – to lead the team to two 50-over World Cup finals, however, the 39-year-old retires without a trophy in her cabinet.
This deep desire to be a World Cup winner compelled Mithu, as lovingly called by family and friends to cross all boundaries. She was reluctant to give it up without fulfilling her dream, but “like all journeys, this one must come to an end” as noted in the retirement message she tweeted.
“I went on a journey wearing Indian blues as a little girl because it is the highest honor to represent your country. The journey was full of highs and some lows. The last 23 years have been the most satisfying, challenging and enjoyable years of my life,” said Mithali.
Mithali made her ODI Debut at the age of 16 and scored 114 not out against Ireland milton keynes in 1999. “I am one of those players who played from the era of WACI” BCCI, from IWCC to ICC, from empty stadiums to packed stadiums, from county grounds to international stadiums. I have seen everything that women’s cricket has become today. My own personal journey has been parallel to the transition of women’s cricket,” she once told TOI
Faced with a choice between Bharatnatyam and cricket, Mithali decided to take the road less traveled.