Indian cricketer Mithali Raj found the best way to celebrate her 37th birthday. At home. The legendary Indian Women's cricketer, who recently captained India to a 2-1 ODI series victory over West Indies in the Caribbean Island, celebrated her special day with her parents at her home after returning from the West Indies. Considered to be one of the greatest batswomen to have ever played the game of cricket, Mithali also thanked her well-wishers and followers for remembering and wishing her on this special day. Many from the cricket fraternity, led by Sachin Tendulkar, also took to social media to send their wishes to this special cricketer on her 37th birthday. Happy Birthday Mithali Raj: A Look at 5 Prolific Innings by India’s Legendary Batswoman.
Mithali had double reasons to celebrate December 3, 2019 – which marked her 37th birthday. On a day, the legendary cricketer celebrated her birthday, a biopic on her life was also announced. The film will be titled Shabaash Mithu with top Bollywood actress Taapsee Pannu, playing Mithali’s role in the biopic. Taapsee, who has acted in several top-grossing Bollywood films like Badla, Game Over, Pink, Saand Ki Aankh, also wished the cricketer on her birthday. “Happy Happy Birthday Captain Mithali! You have made all of us proud in more than many ways and it’s truly an honour to be chosen to showcase your journey on screen. On this Birthday of yours I don’t know what gift I can give you but this promise that I shall give it all I have to make sure you will be proud of what you see of yourself on screen.”
Mithali Raj Spends Birthday With Parents
Good to be home with mummy and daddy on my birthday ! I also want to thank everyone for all the wishes and love. I am truly overwhelmed ! pic.twitter.com/6A3sCnyKPs
— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) December 3, 2019
Actor Mithali & Cricketer Mithali
Meanwhile, the Indian cricket board and International Council also joined Sachin in wishing the famed women's cricketer on her 37th birthday. ICC even paid a tribute to Mithali by presenting some of the incredible records she holds in women's cricket. Mithali Raj is the highest run-scorer in women's cricket and the only female cricketer to surpass the 6000-run mark in WODIs (Women's One-Day Internationals).
Kepp Making India Proud!!
Wishing you a very happy birthday, @M_Raj03!
All the best for future tournaments and keep bringing laurels to our nation. 🏏 pic.twitter.com/LMk1yQaCoe
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 3, 2019
Happy Birthday, Inspiration!!
To the one who has inspired so many girls to take up the sport and chase their dreams, many many happy returns of the day @M_Raj03. Wishing you another year full of runs and wins. 🎂 pic.twitter.com/CNNhYmkS0n
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) December 3, 2019
Records & Record-Breaker
🔹 308 international appearances
🔹 9,915 runs
🔹 Leading WODI run-scorer
🔹 First woman to play 200 ODIs
She led her side to the final of Women's @cricketworldcup in 2005 and 2017.
Happy birthday to India star batter, @M_Raj03! pic.twitter.com/96g7af44yX
— ICC (@ICC) December 3, 2019
Happy Birthday Mithali Raj Lesser-Known Things to Know About Star Indian Cricketer
She also remains the first player (both men’s and women’s categories) to score seven consecutive half-centuries in ODIs. Mithali also holds the record for most half-centuries in WODIs. Last year, she became the first player from India to score 2000 runs in T20Is and is also the Indian captain to lead India in two World Cup finals (2005 and 2017). Mithali is also the first women to appear in 200 ODI matches. She has, however, failed to produce runs in recent times. In the five-match WODI series against West Indies, she scored a combined 80 runs in three matches, as India clinched the series 2-1.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 03, 2019 11:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).