Mithali Raj revealed why she remained unmarried, highlighting suitors’ demands to quit cricket for family duties during her captaincy, a choice she firmly rejected.
Mithali Raj on Marriage and Cricket
Former Indian women’s cricket team captain Mithali Raj recently opened up about the challenges she faced in her personal life while pursuing a cricket career.
Speaking on a YouTube show hosted by Ranveer Allahabadia, Mithali shared an instance where a suitor demanded she quit cricket to manage household responsibilities.
The conversation occurred when Mithali was 25 and leading the Indian cricket team.
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She explained how such demands, including discussions about post-marriage responsibilities, baffled her as her sole focus at that time was on cricket.
Mithali described how the suitor questioned her priorities, asking whether she would prioritize cricket over taking care of his ailing mother.
“I didn’t get that sense, honestly (that they were talking to Mithali Raj). Now these calls were set up by my mother’s sister, so I agreed to talk. So after the pleasantries, they would dive straight into post-marriage scenes, discussing how many kids they wanted. I was on backfoot because those are the things I never imagined, nor did I ever discuss with anyone. I would always think about Indian cricket. So yes I was taken aback by some of those statements, of how many kids I want or that I have to let go of cricket,” she said.
While her response depended on the situation, the encounter left her deeply disappointed, reinforcing her decision not to compromise her career for marriage.
“I was the current Indian captain then. One of them said you have to leave cricket because after marriage you have to look after the kids. I was still absorbing those statements. I don’t remember his name, though. The strangest question he asked was, ‘If something happened to my mother, would you look after her or go and play cricket?’ straightway replied asking, ‘What sort of question is this?’ He said: ‘I need to know what is more important to you.’ And I replied saying, ‘That will depend on the situation.’ I don’t exactly remember what I said next, but it clearly put me off,” she added.
Sacrifices and Determination
Mithali credited her parents and her sacrifices for her successful cricketing journey.
She shared how a conversation with a fellow cricketer made her realize that many female athletes face similar questions from potential partners.
This insight helped her reaffirm her commitment to cricket, rejecting societal norms that required her to adjust her ambitions.
“I remember a cricketer friend of mine said that you do have to adjust a bit because you will never find a person who will allow you to follow that same lifestyle. I told her that the question made no sense, but she replied saying most men ask such questions. I did not make up my mind till then, but it did trigger something in me. I felt my parents made all the sacrifices, I made a lot of sacrifices and I am not going to let it go for some random person who feels I have to let go of my career to look after his house,” she said. Mithali said emphasizing her dedication to the sport.
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