When we talk about the “Queen of Cricket”, one name shines the brightest — Mithali Raj. Known as the Lady Tendulkar of India;s Women’s Cricket Queen, Mithali redefined the game with her class, consistency, and leadership. After her retirement in 2022, another Indian star, Smriti Mandhana, has emerged as the new face of women’s cricket globally, admired for her elegance and powerful batting.
This article looks at why Mithali Raj is regarded as the Queen of Cricket and how Smriti Mandhana is rising as her heir in Indian and world cricket.
Mithali Raj – The Original Queen of Cricket
A Career Full of Records
Mithali Raj’s career is decorated with unmatched achievements:
| Record | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Most ODI Runs | 7,805 runs in 232 matches at an average of 50.68 |
| Test Double Century | 214 vs England in 2002 – second-highest in women’s Tests |
| T20I Runs (India) | 2,364 runs – India’s leading run-getter until retirement |
| Most ODI World Cups | Played in 6 World Cups – the only woman cricketer to do so |
| Most Matches as Captain | 155 ODIs, with 89 wins under her leadership |
Her ability to anchor innings and deliver consistently under pressure made her the face of Indian women’s cricket for more than two decades.
Awards & Recognition
Mithali’s brilliance has been honoured with:
- Arjuna Award (2003)
- Padma Shri (2015)
- Khel Ratna Award (2021)
- Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer (2017)
She has also been celebrated as a cultural icon, with books, endorsements, and even a Bollywood biopic Shabaash Mithu.
Read more: New God of Cricket in 2025: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Chris Gayle?
Smriti Mandhana – The India’s Modern Queen of Cricket.
With Mithali Raj stepping away, Smriti Mandhana has become the torchbearer of Indian women’s cricket. Known for her elegance, fearless strokeplay, and charm, she is called the “Beauty Queen of Cricket” by fans worldwide.
ICC POSTER FOR SMRITI MANDHANA.
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) September 16, 2025
– The Queen of World Cricket. 👑 pic.twitter.com/wGuF9WUTZ9
Smriti Mandhana’s Top Achievements
| Record | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Centuries in All Formats | First Indian woman to score centuries in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is |
| Fastest ODI Century | 70 balls vs Ireland (2025) |
| Leading T20I Run Scorer for India | Over 3,900 runs with 32 half-centuries |
| ICC Awards | Won Cricketer of the Year twice (2018, 2021) and ODI Cricketer of the Year (2025) |
| WPL Triumph | Captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their first WPL title in 2024 |
| World Rankings | Reached No. 1 spot in ICC ODI batting rankings in June 2025 |
Her ability to dominate world-class bowlers and play match-winning knocks has made her a true global cricket star.
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Mithali Raj vs Smriti Mandhana – Carrying the Crown Forward
| Category | Mithali Raj | Smriti Mandhana |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Classic, composed, anchor | Aggressive, stylish, attacking |
| Role | Top-order stabiliser | Match-winner & finisher |
| Captaincy | Led India to 2 World Cup finals | Youngest Indian T20I captain & WPL-winning captain |
| Global Recognition | Pioneer of Indian women’s cricket | Global face of modern women’s cricket |
While Mithali remains the undisputed Queen of Cricket for her contributions, Smriti is the new-age queen, admired for her charisma, elegance, and ability to break records at a young age.
Why India Rules Women’s Cricket Queenship
India is unique in producing not just cricketing legends but cultural icons. Mithali Raj laid the foundation for women’s cricket to be respected on the world stage, while Smriti Mandhana is now shaping its future. Together, they ensure that the title of “Queen of Cricket” stays deeply connected with India.
Read more: Godfather of Cricket: Who Holds the Title?
Conclusion
From Mithali Raj’s legacy of records and leadership to Smriti Mandhana’s rise as a global superstar, Indian women’s cricket has been blessed with extraordinary queens. Mithali will always be remembered as the original Queen of Cricket, and Smriti now carries the crown forward, inspiring millions with her talent, grace, and fearless spirit.
FAQ
Q. Who is called the Queen of Cricket?
Mithali Raj is regarded as the original Queen of Cricket for her unmatched records, while Smriti Mandhana is seen as the modern-day queen.
Q. Why is Mithali Raj called the Queen of Cricket?
Because of her 20+ years of dominance, 7,805 ODI runs, and record leadership in women’s cricket.
Q. Who is the modern Queen of Cricket?
Smriti Mandhana, thanks to her centuries across formats, ICC awards, and global recognition.
