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India’s former captain and cricketing stalwart, Mithali Raj, recently celebrated her 41st birthday on Sunday (December 3). Many prominent cricketers took a moment to extend their heartfelt wishes to Mithali on her special day.
A stalwart’s legacy
It is worth mentioning that Mithali’s journey in cricket is nothing short of extraordinary. With numerous accolades and records to her name, she has become a beacon of inspiration for aspiring cricketers, especially women, around the globe. As the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket, she has not only brought glory to India on numerous occasions but has also earned a place among the greatest female cricketers of all time, as recognized by ESPN.
Awards and accolades
Mithali’s list of accolades is as impressive as her on-field performances. Her prowess with the bat and leadership skills have garnered her several prestigious national and international awards, including the Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in the World (2017), Arjuna Award (2003), Padma Shri (2015), and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (2021). These honours stand as a testament to her consistent excellence and contribution to the sport.
Record-breaking feats
The records held by Mithali are a testament to her unparalleled skill and dedication to the game. She stands as the only female cricketer to surpass the 7,000-run mark in Women’s One Day International (WODI) matches. Adding to her list of accomplishments, she became the first female cricketer to amass 2000 WT20I runs, showcasing her adaptability across formats.
On June 8, 2022, Mithali announced her retirement from all formats of international cricket, marking the end of an era. Her decision prompted an outpouring of gratitude and admiration from fans and fellow cricketers alike, acknowledging her contributions to the sport.
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Birthday wishes from cricket icons
As Mithali turned 41, the cricketing fraternity joined hands to shower her with warm wishes. Legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Jhulan Goswami, and others took to social media to express their admiration for Mithali’s contributions and extend their heartfelt birthday wishes.
Here’s how Twitter wished Mithali:
Happy Birthday, @M_Raj03! May your day be as splendid as your career. 🏏
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 3, 2023
Wishing you the happiest birthday @M_Raj03. Every moment with you on and off the field has been very special to me. Keep shining, and hitting the ball hard out of the ground 🎉🎂#HappyBirthdayMithali pic.twitter.com/wvOTkg131M
— Jhulan Goswami (@JhulanG10) December 3, 2023
333 international matches
10,868 international runs 🙌
Most appearances in Women's ODIs 👌
Leading run-getter in Women's ODIs 👏Here's wishing @M_Raj03 – Former #TeamIndia Captain & one of the finest to have ever graced the game – a very Happy Birthday 🎂👏 pic.twitter.com/QpBrMzVKWi
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) December 3, 2023
Happy birthday to a true 🅻🅴🅶🅴🅽🅳 of Indian cricket, @M_Raj03 🎂🫡#OneFamily pic.twitter.com/UquJIo3pqa
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) December 3, 2023
Happy Birthday Mithali Raj ! Your unwavering dedication, incredible leadership, and countless milestones have inspired a generation. May this special day bring you joy, success, and memorable moments. Stay blessed always !@M_Raj03
— Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) December 3, 2023
Aaj humari Mithu ka birthday hai. 🎉❤️#UPWarriorzUttarDega #CapriSports pic.twitter.com/OdvZCmPm4Q
— UP Warriorz (@UPWarriorz) December 3, 2023
One of India's finest players 👏
🎂 Happy Birthday to @M_Raj03.#LoveLords pic.twitter.com/uBxYwNpZ8C
— Lord's Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) December 3, 2023
🎂✨ Happy Birthday @M_Raj03! Here's wishing the pioneer of women's cricket all the best on her 4️⃣1️⃣st birthday.
✅ Most runs in women's International cricket.
2️⃣1️⃣4️⃣ – Most runs in a women's Test Innings.
1️⃣5️⃣5️⃣ – Most matches as captain in Women's ODIs.
✅ 100 on ODI debut.… pic.twitter.com/snJmLrmNHt
— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) December 3, 2023
During the span of Mithali Raj's career, India batters crossed 50 360 times in international women's cricket
93 of those 360 came from @M_Raj03's bat alone, more than a staggering 25% over a span of almost 24 years
Happy birthday, legend!
— Mohit Shah (@mohit_shah17) December 3, 2023
𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐮𝐧-𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐎𝐃𝐈𝐬. 𝟐𝟑 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐎𝐀𝐓. 🇮🇳
Happy birthday, @M_Raj03! 💙🤗 pic.twitter.com/GhmYKNcwUq— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) December 3, 2023
A leader and legend who pioneered women's cricket in India 🇮🇳🫡
Happy Birthday, Mithali Raj! 🎉#PlayBold #WomenInBlue #WomensCricket @M_Raj03 pic.twitter.com/zisMBxZ42t
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) December 3, 2023
Happy Birthday, @M_Raj03! 🏏
A true champion and a youth icon, Your journey has been a beacon of inspiration, empowering a generation of cricketers.
May your birthday be as magnificent as your career and filled with joy and celebration. pic.twitter.com/5x1UUcf113
— PM Sai Prasad🇮🇳 (@pm_saiprasad) December 3, 2023
Happy birthday, legend 👑💗 pic.twitter.com/XHjh9WcKfD
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) December 3, 2023
A true legend and an inspirational leader!✨
Wishing the former Indian captain, Mithali Raj a very #HappyBirthday and a fantastic year ahead!🎂#MithaliRaj #SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings pic.twitter.com/nMOyAulqQS
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) December 3, 2023