Who is the Queen of Cricket?

In the grand tapestry of cricket, both men and women have etched their names into the annals of sporting history. Yet, when the title "Queen of Cricket" is mentioned, one name consistently rises above all others, and that is Mithali Raj. Revered for her exceptional skill, longevity, and leadership, Mithali Raj is widely celebrated as the Queen of Cricket. She is recognised by millions of cricket fans for her record-breaking career and for elevating women's cricket to new global heights.

Why is Mithali Raj known as the Queen of Cricket?

Mithali Raj's journey is a testament to resilience, grace, and unmatched cricketing prowess. The stalwart cricketer is hailed worldwide as the Queen of Cricket. She debuted for India at the age of 16 and went on to become the highest run-scorer in women's international cricket.

People often call her the “Lady Tendulkar”, not just because of her technique, but because she carried the team on her shoulders, just like Sachin did. She was the first woman to cross 7,000 ODI runs, the first to play 200 ODIs, and the only Indian captain (man or woman) to lead India to two ODI World Cup finals. But beyond the stats, it’s her calm, composed leadership that left a mark. She wasn’t loud. She didn’t need to be because Mithali led with presence.

Mithali Raj Performance in T20I, ODI, and Tests

You don’t measure Mithali Raj’s greatness in runs alone. You feel it in the calm she carried, walking out at 2 for 20. You see it in the scorecards she rewrote, one patient stroke at a time. Across 12 Tests, Mithali stood tall with 699 runs, averaging 43.68, and a mighty 214 as her high note. The Queen of Cricket made her impact by playing over 19 innings, with 1 century, 4 fifties, and just 2 ducks. But it was in the blue of India that her legend truly bloomed. In 232 ODIs, she stacked up 7805 runs at a stellar 50.68 average, laced with 7 hundreds and 64 fifties, the kind of numbers that only whisper their weight when you pause to really look. The unbeaten 125 not out? That wasn’t a fluke. That was a message for the coming generations from the Queen of Cricket. And then came the shortest format of the game. The Queen of Cricket played 89 T20Is, scored 2364 runs, and 17 half-centuries at an average of 37.52. No hundreds. But always the glue, the anchor, the heartbeat. Mithali didn’t just play formats. She defined them. And always with the poise of someone who knew exactly what she meant to the game.

• Test Cricket: Mithali scored a then-record 214 in just her third Test, showcasing her ability to play long, patient innings.
• ODI Cricket: She holds the record for most runs and most 50-plus scores in women’s ODIs. Her average of over 50 in ODIs is a testament to her consistency at the highest level.
• T20I Cricket: Mithali was the first Indian woman to reach 2,000 runs in T20Is and remains one of the most reliable batters in the shortest format for India.

The accolades of the Queen of Cricket include the Arjuna Award (2003), Padma Shri (2015), Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (2021), and the Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in the World (2017).

Who is the Modern Queen of Cricket in World?

While Mithali Raj’s legacy is unparalleled, the modern era has seen the rise of new icons. Among them, Smriti Mandhana stands out as the modern Queen of Indian Cricket and the Queen of Cricket in World, captivating fans with her elegant stroke play and match-winning performances.

Why Smriti Mandhana is Known as Queen of Cricket?

Smriti Mandhana’s rise as the Queen of Indian Cricket has been meteoric. She is celebrated for her flair, aggression, and ability to dominate bowling attacks across formats. Mandhana is the first Indian woman to score a century in all three formats (Tests, ODIs, and T20Is), a rare feat that places her among the elite. Her performances have been crucial in India’s rise as a powerhouse in women’s cricket.

Mandhana has won multiple ICC Awards for her fiery performances, including the Cricketer of the Year and ODI Cricketer of the Year. She has also been named in the ICC Women’s Team of the Year several times and is currently ranked among the top batters in the world across formats.

Smriti Mandhana Performance in T20I, ODI, and Tests

Smriti Mandhana doesn’t just bat, she humbles bowlers with every strike. Her bat flows like a breeze on a summer morning. And her numbers? They hum the tune of a modern great. In 7 Tests, Smriti’s willow spoke loud with 629 runs, a glowing average of 57.18, with 2 centuries and 3 fifties stitched across 12 innings. Her top score is a regal 149. No ducks. Just timing, grace, and 108 crisp boundaries that made bowlers sigh. Then came the ODIs, where her poetry with the bat met power. 102 matches, 4473 runs, an average of 46.59, and a strike rate of 87.79. 11 centuries, 31 fifties, and a top score of 136.

In 152 WT20Is, she’s been the fearless face of flair. 3974 runs, averaging 30.10 at a strike rate of 123.95, with 1 century and 31 fifties. A monster total of 538 fours and 76 sixes, which is pure audacity wrapped in elegance. Smriti doesn’t wait for the game to come to her. She takes it, reshapes it, and paints it in strokes of left-handed beauty.

• Test Cricket: Mandhana became the first Indian woman to score a century in both Tests and ODIs in Australia, underlining her adaptability and temperament.
• ODI Cricket: She is the fastest Indian woman to 4,000 ODI runs and the first to score 10 ODI centuries, a remarkable achievement at her age.
• T20I Cricket: Mandhana holds the record for the most half-centuries in women’s T20Is and recently became the first Indian woman to score a T20I century, completing the set of centuries in all formats.

Her aggressive batting at the top of the order has set the tone for India’s successes in recent years, and her leadership as vice-captain has been instrumental in nurturing young talent.

How We Analyze the Queen of Cricket - Major Facts

The title is not bestowed lightly. To find out who is the Queen of Cricket, we have used a combination of factors that go beyond mere statistics:

• Consistency: Both Mithali Raj and Smriti Mandhana have demonstrated remarkable consistency, scoring heavily across formats and in different conditions.
• Records and Milestones: Mithali’s 10,000+ international runs and Mandhana’s centuries in all formats are benchmarks for excellence.
• Leadership: Mithali’s captaincy in two World Cup finals and Mandhana’s role as vice-captain highlight their influence and tactical acumen.
• Impact on Big Matches: Both players have delivered in high-pressure situations, with match-winning performances in World Cups and major tournaments.
• Longevity and Adaptability: Mithali’s two-decade-long career and Mandhana’s rapid adaptation to all formats underscore their greatness.
• Awards and Recognition: National and international honours, including ICC awards and government accolades, validate their contributions to the sport.
• Inspiration: Their journeys have inspired millions of young girls to take up cricket, breaking stereotypes and paving the way for future generations.

So, the next time someone asks you who is the Queen of Cricket? You know the answer. The legacy of Mithali Raj as the Queen of Cricket is firmly established, built on a foundation of records, leadership, and inspiration. In the modern era, Smriti Mandhana has emerged as the torchbearer, dazzling fans with her talent and hunger for success. Together, they embody the spirit, resilience, and brilliance that define women’s cricket today.