Who Is the Queen of Cricket?

Cricket has seen many great players across men’s and women’s formats, but only a few have truly changed the direction of the game. When fans, former players, and experts talk about the queen of cricket, one name clearly stands above all others: Mithali Raj. Her long international career, calm mindset, and record-breaking performances have earned her unmatched respect in world cricket. She did more than score runs; she helped women’s cricket gain recognition, stability, and global respect.

In the modern era, women’s cricket has grown faster and more competitive. During this phase, Smriti Mandhana has emerged as a global star with her stylish stroke play and match-winning performances. While Mithali Raj is widely accepted as the original queen of cricket because of her longevity and leadership, Smriti Mandhana is often called the modern queen of cricket due to her dominance in today’s high-pressure and fast-paced game.

This article explains why Mithali Raj is regarded as the true queen of cricket and how Smriti Mandhana has become the symbol of the new generation.

Why Mithali Raj Is Known as the Queen of Cricket

Mithali Raj’s international career is a perfect example of discipline, patience, and excellence. She made her debut for India as a teenager and continued playing at the top level for more than 20 years. Very few cricketers in the history of the game, regardless of gender, have shown such consistency for such a long time. This alone makes her a strong candidate for the title of queen of cricket.

She is often compared to Sachin Tendulkar and is popularly known as the “Lady Tendulkar.” This comparison comes not only from her classical batting style but also from the responsibility she carried for Indian cricket. For many years, the Indian women’s team depended on her to anchor innings, score crucial runs, and guide younger players.

Mithali Raj became the first woman to score over 7,000 runs in One Day Internationals and the first player to play 200 women’s ODIs. As a captain, she led India to two Women’s ODI World Cup finals, which is one of the greatest achievements in Indian women’s cricket. Her calm attitude, strong decision-making, and deep understanding of the game made her a respected leader and strengthened her image as the queen of cricket.

More importantly, her journey inspired thousands of young girls in India and around the world to take women’s cricket seriously as a profession.

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Mithali Raj’s Performance Across Formats

Mithali Raj’s greatness cannot be judged only by her run tally. Her ability to read match situations, bat for long periods, and adjust her game across formats made her special. She delivered consistent performances in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, proving why she is called the queen of cricket.

Format	Matches	Inns	Not Outs	Runs	Highest Score	Avg	100s	50s
WTests	12	19	3	699	214	43.68	1	4
WODIs	232	211	57	7,805	125*	50.68	7	64
WT20Is	89	84	21	2,364	97*	37.52	0	17

Test Cricket Contribution

In Test cricket, Mithali Raj showed her ability to play long and disciplined innings. Her double century early in her career highlighted her patience and technical strength. Even though women’s Test matches are rare, her performances remain unforgettable and add to her status as the queen of cricket.

One Day International Impact

ODIs were Mithali Raj’s strongest format. She became the highest run-scorer in women’s ODI history and maintained an average above fifty for most of her career. She also holds the record for the most fifty-plus scores in women’s ODIs, which clearly shows her consistency and reliability.

T20 International Role

In T20Is, Mithali Raj adjusted her style to suit the shorter format. She became the first Indian woman to score 2,000 T20I runs and played the role of a steady anchor during the early years of women’s T20 cricket. This adaptability further supports her title as the queen of cricket.

Awards and Achievements of Mithali Raj

Mithali Raj’s contribution to cricket has been honoured with several major awards. She received the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, India’s highest sporting honour. She was also named Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in the World, which highlights her global impact.

These achievements strongly explain why Mithali Raj is still remembered and respected as the queen of cricket.

Who Is the Modern Queen of Cricket?

Although Mithali Raj’s legacy remains unmatched, women’s cricket has evolved rapidly. In this modern era, Smriti Mandhana has become one of the most influential players in the world. Her aggressive approach, elegant shots, and fearless mindset have made her a fan favourite.

Smriti Mandhana is often called the modern queen of cricket and also the queen of Indian cricket because of her performances across all formats. She has played a major role in India’s success in international tournaments and franchise leagues, earning global recognition.

Why Smriti Mandhana Is Known as the Queen of Cricket in the Modern Era

Smriti Mandhana’s rise has been built on confidence and consistency. She is known for her clean timing and ability to dominate bowlers from the start of an innings. As an opener, she sets the tempo and puts early pressure on the opposition.

One of her biggest achievements is scoring centuries in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. She became the first Indian woman to achieve this rare milestone, proving her versatility. This achievement strengthens her image as the modern queen of cricket.

She has won several ICC awards, including Women’s Cricketer of the Year and ODI Cricketer of the Year. Her frequent selection in the ICC Women’s Team of the Year reflects her importance at the international level.

Smriti Mandhana’s Performance Across Formats

Smriti Mandhana has been India’s leading opener for several years. Her attacking style has changed how India approaches women’s cricket, especially in limited-overs formats.

Format	Matches	Inns	Not Outs	Runs	Highest Score	Avg	SR	100s	50s
WTests	7	12	1	629	149	57.18	63.72	2	3
WODIs	117	117	7	5,322	136	48.38	90.52	14	34
WT20Is	154	148	14	4,007	112	29.90	123.78	1	31

Test Cricket Excellence

In Test matches, Smriti Mandhana has shown strong technique and mental toughness. Her centuries against top teams, including in overseas conditions, prove her ability to perform at the highest level.

One Day International Dominance

In ODIs, she has reached major run milestones faster than most Indian players. Her regular centuries and strong average make her one of the most dependable batters in the format.

T20 International Impact

In T20Is, Mandhana’s aggressive batting has set new benchmarks. She became the first Indian woman to score a T20I century and later crossed 4,000 runs. Her high strike rate reflects modern cricket perfectly and supports her tag as the modern queen of cricket.

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