Mithali Raj becomes the first-ever woman player to feature in six World Cups

Indian cricket legend Mithali Raj scripted history by becoming the first-ever female cricketer to have featured in six World Cups. A veteran of the game, Raj has featured in the 2000, 2005, 2009, 2013, 2017, and 2022 editions of the ODI World Cup.

However, the 39-year-old could not contribute significantly to the Indian total in their opening match of the 2022 World Cup against Pakistan and scored 9 off 36 deliveries. Talking about the encounter between India and Pakistan, the Indian side batted first and posted a total of 244/7 on the board in their first innings, with Pooja Vastrakar top-scoring for the ‘Women in Blue’ with a superb 59-ball 67.

Mithali Raj has played 32 matches in World Cup cricket and has plundered 1148 runs at an average of 52.18. The right-hander has also amassed 2 centuries and 9 half-centuries in her World Cup career as well. She is the highest run-scorer for the Indian women’s team in World Cup cricket.

Has any other Indian cricketer appeared in six ODI World Cups?

Apart from Mithali Raj, only batting colossus Sachin Tendulkar has featured in 6 ODI World Cups. Having made his ODI debut in the year 1989, Tendulkar represented India in the 1992, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2011 editions of the ODI World Cup.

Tendulkar is also the only batter to have amassed over 2000 (2278) runs in World Cup cricket, and scored his runs at a stellar average of close to 57. The ‘God of Cricket’ has also plundered 6 centuries and 15 half-centuries in World Cup cricket as well.

Tendulkar was also a part of the victorious Indian squad in the 2011 ODI World Cup, and was India’s top run-getter in the tournament, plundering 482 runs at a stupendous average of 53.55. The legendary batter also scored 2 centuries and 2 half-centuries in the 2011 World Cup as well. Tendulkar retired from international cricket in the year 2013.