Cricket News

Narendra Modi praises Mithali Raj during the ‘Man ki Baat’ programme

Indian woman batting legend Mithali Raj recently bid adieu to international cricket earlier this month. The entire cricketing fraternity thanked the Indian star batter for her remarkable career. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently has also congratulated her on her career achievements and wished her good luck in her future endeavors.

The former India captain holds the record for the most runs in women’s ODIs. She amassed a total of 7805 runs at an impressive average of 50.68 in her career. Raj also finished with 64 half-centuries to her name, which is the most by a batter in women’s ODIs.

While speaking to his listeners in his monthly program ‘Mann ki Baat’, Prime Minister Modi lavished praises on the former India cricketer. He even highlighted her influence on the young athletes of the country and mentioned how big an inspiration she is for them.

“Friends, when it comes to sports, today, I also want to discuss about one of the most talented cricketers of India, Mithali Raj. She announced her retirement earlier this month, which left many fans quite emotional. Mithali has not only been an extraordinary player but has also been an inspiration to many players. I wish Mithali all the very best for her future,” the prime minister said.

The current Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur surpassed Mithali Raj’s tally of 2364 runs in T20I to become the leading run-scorer in the format. The all-rounder had shared her thoughts on her teammate’s retirement before the ongoing Sri Lanka series and hailed her as irreplaceable. “We are working hard on our team where we can create some combinations, but if we talk about Mithali, I don’t think there is anyone who can take her place and we will always miss her in our dressing room,” Kaur said.

Indian team has made a tremendous start to the post-Mithali era by clinching the T20I series against Sri Lanka.