Former India captain and legend Mithali Raj turned 40 today. The Jodhpur-born batter who recently retired from the game made her debut for India way back in 1999 and continued to serve the country for 23 years. In all, she represented India in 12 Tests, 232 ODIs, and 89 T20Is, compiling more than 10000 runs across the formats. She was the backbone of India’s batting lineup for the major part of her career.
Raj is the highest run-scorer in women’s internationals and is considered as one of the greatest to have graced the game. Her achievements have brought her many laurels like the Arjuna ward in 2003, the Padma Shri in 2015 and the Khel Ratna Award in 2021. A film by the name of Shaabash Mithu has also been made based on Raj’s life and her character was played by Taapsee Pannu. Recently, she was seen as a guest at the convocation ceremony of a University.
On her birthday, many cricketers (both present and former) and administrators took to social media to send in their wishes for Raj.
Happy birthday @M_Raj03 god bless u always 🎂😊
— Rahul Sharma (@ImRahulSharma3) December 3, 2022
Happy birthday to one of the finest women cricketer Indian Team is blessed with @m_raj03. Conveying the best wishes to the very first women cricketer to complete 20 years in international cricket. Stay happy and healthy ✨❤️#HappyBirthday #MithaliRaj pic.twitter.com/R1ma2QgEqz
— Devindar Walmiki (@DWalmiki) December 3, 2022
#Throwback to this day when 4 years ago,
Mithali Raj celebrated her birthday at the JKC College Cricket Ground, Guntur, Andhra with more than 5000 fans 🎂#CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/fBvtS8GZDW
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) December 3, 2022
पूर्व भारतीय महिला क्रिकेटर एवं पद्मश्री मिताली राज जी को जन्मदिन की ढेर सारी बधाई एवं शुभकामनाएं। @M_Raj03 pic.twitter.com/yNdfhek0Dw
— Diya Kumari (@KumariDiya) December 3, 2022
Many happy returns of the day to the sensational @M_Raj03! Your life will inspire generations of young girls who would dare to dream big! pic.twitter.com/SSb1TxGWHL
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) December 3, 2022
Wishing @M_Raj03 a fantastic birthday, keep shining like the star you are & continue to inspire others. May you achieve more incredible milestones. Have a wonderful day! #MithaliRaj
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) December 3, 2022
The legend who inspired generations,
The cricketer who paved the way for us,
The leader who weathered all the storms,
The one who made us fall in love with women’s cricket
The one who ruled for 2 decades
Happy Birthday @M_Raj03 – thank you for choosing cricket 💙💙 pic.twitter.com/1rlCsvLFzd
— Vishal Yadav (@vishalyadavgcc) December 3, 2022
Happy birthday, @M_Raj03 ! You are and will always remain special to me. Have a great day and a great year ahead 🥰🫶🏻#HappyBirthdayMithaliRaj #Memories #IndianCricket pic.twitter.com/OTQrgi5hSg
— Jhulan Goswami (@JhulanG10) December 3, 2022