Mithali Raj has been a trailblazer for many years and carved a niche for herself in her career, spanning more than two decades. It was after India’s heartbreaking campaign in the ICC Women’s One Day World Cup that she decided to hang up her boots and retired from international cricket.
Even though she is away from playing the game, she is proactively involved in off-field activities. She is the mentor of the Gujarat Giants franchise in the inaugural season of the Women’s Premier League. Her presence is monumental as, besides providing much-needed knowledge and support to the management, she will serve as a central figure for the youngsters who will look up to her for inspiration and direction.
She always batted for a Women’s IPL and has been vocal about her support for the league. Talking recently to India Today on the WPL and her retirement at large, she said, “It’s not too late (for a women’s IPL). I’m content with the way my career is shaped, being part of the evolution of women’s cricket. I thoroughly enjoyed playing. I’m fine with my retirement, and it was the right time to move on. There’s no regret.”
That debut feeling!
Ecstatic after my commentary debut for ICC in the T20 World Cup 2023. Grateful for all the opportunities. 🙏🏻
Image credit: @absolutelyabhi#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/M1wKZLSPwc
— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) February 17, 2023
Recently, she was seen donning the commentator’s hat as well and making her debut in an ICC event as a commentator; she said, “I am really looking forward to my time in the commentary box for the T20 World Cup. There is a lot of anticipation for this tournament in India, and I am sure in other parts of the world too. There are some very fine sides here, and it is going to be all about who does well on a particular day. I wish the teams all the very best and hope they enjoy being part of this tournament.”
Her insights and observations on air make her a valuable asset to the viewer’s experience while watching this World Cup, which is already turning out to be fantastic. She was also in a chat with Nasser Hussain on commentary when she said that she hopes her stint in the commentary is as long as her India career, which was such a humble statement to come from a legend of her stature.
It will be interesting to see Mithali Raj in her off-field commitments and excel as she did on the twenty-two yards.
I am a first year postgraduate student pursuing a MA in Media and Communication Studies at Christ University, Bengaluru. I am a podcaster, blogger and an avid cricket fan. When not glued to cricket matches, you can find me submerged in books and thinking about cricket all the time.