Mithali Raj: Trailblazer redefining women cricket

In the latest episode of “Women Pioneers of India,” powered by TECNO Phantom V Flip 5G in association with Republic TV, the spotlight is on Mithali Raj, the former captain of the Indian women’s cricket team. "Women Pioneers of India: Flip the Narrative," is a campaign dedicated to promoting equality and respect across all genders. This initiative is a heartfelt celebration of the remarkable women of contemporary India and a tribute to the strength and influence of Indian women.

With an illustrious career that spans over two decades, Mithali’s journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and breaking barriers in the world of cricket. Mithali’s cricketing journey began at the age of 16 when she made her international debut. From those early days to becoming the highest runscorer in women’s ODIs, she has consistently redefined the game. As a trailblazer for Indian women’s cricket, Mithali led the team with elegance, shattering records and inspiring generations of female athletes.

During the interview, Mithali shared insights into her career and personal life. When asked about her preferred cricket ground, she said, “Lords would be my favourite because of the history and cricket being played for so many years.” Reflecting on her dream cricket match to time travel to, Mithali added, “I would say the 1983 World Cup finals.”

Mithali also opened up about the challenges she faced in the early stages of her career when cricket was perceived as a sport for boys. Mithali spoke candidly about the challenges she and her contemporaries faced in an era where women’s cricket lived in obscurity. She emphasized the lack of recognition, minimal financial support, and the overshadowing of women’s cricket by the men’s counterpart. However, the narrative began to change when the team, under BCCI, gained visibility in international tournaments, especially the 2017 World Cup.

Mithali acknowledged the significant changes in women’s cricket post-BCCI era, including improved infrastructure, sponsorships, and pay equity. “Improved infrastructure, sponsorships, and pay equity have been significant.” She highlighted the importance of televised matches, video analysis, and the growth of domestic leagues in propelling women’s cricket into the limelight. Mithali emphasised, “Technological advancements have played a crucial role in bridging the gap between men’s and women’s cricket,” she said.

As the interview concluded, Mithali shared a powerful message for aspiring girls. She encouraged them to dream big, be ambitious, and pursue their goals with courage and passion. Mithali emphasised the importance of hard work, quality, and resilience in achieving sustainable success.

Mithali Raj’s journey, both on and off the field, serves as an inspiration for millions of girls aspiring to make their mark in the world of sports. As the cricketing legend continues to contribute to the growth of women’s cricket, her legacy remains a beacon of hope and empowerment.