Mithali Raj, a legend of cricket in every sense after a decorated international career spanning 20 years is reportedly on the verge of making a political debut. The political bells have gotten louder ever since pictures of her meeting with the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) President JP Nadda in Hyderabad have come out in the public eye.
According to an IANS report, the BJP is eyeing to expand its base in Telugu states and as a part of these efforts, BJP president JP Nadda met Mithali Raj. It has also been understood that the latter is scheduled to meet actor Nithin before leaving for Hanamkonda to address a public meeting to mark the culmination of the third phase of Praja Sangram Yatra of the party’s state president Bandi Sanjay.
Former Captain of India’s Women Cricket Team, Ms Mithali Raj, called on the Hon’ble President of the @BJP4India Adarniya Sh @JPNadda Ji in Hyderabad today.
Joined Shri JP Nadda Ji in interacting and extending our best wishes to her.@M_Raj03 pic.twitter.com/UUlSviBr7U
— G Kishan Reddy (@kishanreddybjp) August 27, 2022
Indian legend and former captain Mithali Raj has scored 699 runs in 19 Test innings averaging 43.68 and has the highest score of 214 in the format. In 211 ODI innings, Mithali has got to 7805 runs at an average of 50.68 and has got the highest score of 125*. The shortest, T20I format has seen her get to 2364 runs in 84 innings at an average of 37.52 with the highest score of 97*.
Mithali Raj announced her retirement from all forms of international cricket in June and since then has been involved on many fronts. After her retirement, it first was the launch of her movie ‘ShabaashMithu’ that hit big screens and she went around for all possible promotions. Of late, she shot a podcast for the International Cricket Council (ICC) where she’d said her return to cricket is on cards through Women’s IPL.
She said, “I’m keeping that option open. I’ve not yet decided. There are a few more months to go before the Women’s Indian Premier League (W-IPL) happens. It would be lovely to be part of the first edition of the Women’s IPL.”
Mithali after her retirement in conversation with News18 Cricketnext on her future plans said, “I have not given it a serious thought. Commentary offers came along even when I was an active player. Administration is something I am keen on. Being in the fraternity for a long, I understand what the team requires, what the players want. I can use my experience there. Mentoring is another option. Let’s see what opens up for me. Right now, I am taking some time off. I want to get off the pedestal of a player, which is important when you get into another role.”
If reports of Mithali Raj making a political debut turn out true, it simply will be incredible. The legend who has inspired thousands of young girls to play the great game could now again be the inspirational face for former cricketers and soon to retire ones to look for a career outside cricket, in politics, like many male cricketers have looked for over the years and established successful ones.
