Mithali Raj became the first woman cricketer to play 200 matches in the ODI format. She is also the highest run getter in the world with 6622 runs.
“200 is just a number for me but it feels nice to come so far,” the unassuming India’s ODI captain said after completing a maiden 2-1 series win on New Zealand soil. “I have seen different stages of (transformation) in women’s cricket across the globe since I made by debut way back in 1999 under IWCC (International Women’s Cricket Council). Coming under ICC, we could see the difference. I am just happy to represent the country for so long,” Mithali said.
It was an emotional day for the Indian skipper as she was able to represent India for so long at the top level.
“When I started, I didn’t think that I will come so far. Initially, my aim was to only wear the India colors, be one of the core members of the team but never did I think that I will continue to play for so long,” said Mithali. “When you have a long career, you have different elements and reasoning that comes into factor. But one thing has been to constantly thrive and change my game to suit different conditions, different areas of my game and trying to keep up with the international standards. “I have seen joys, highs and lows — when you have a long career,” she said.