Mithali Raj, one of the greatest women cricketers in history, has made a name for herself through her remarkable achievements in the sport. With multiple records to her name, Mithali has consistently prioritized Indian cricket over her personal life. Despite remaining unmarried, she has dedicated her entire life to the game, but has found herself navigating uncomfortable conversations regarding marriage and family with potential grooms suggested by her relatives.
Awkward Conversations About Marriage
In a candid discussion on a podcast hosted by Ranveer Allahabadia, Mithali recounted some of the awkward exchanges she experienced with suitors arranged by her aunts. She revealed that many of these conversations quickly shifted from pleasantries to discussions about post-marriage expectations, particularly concerning motherhood and her cricket career.
“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. After the pleasantries, they would dive straight into post-marriage scenes, discussing how many kids they wanted. I was taken aback because those were the things I never imagined, nor did I ever discuss with anyone. I would always think about Indian cricket,” she shared.
Mithali highlighted a particularly striking conversation with one suitor who suggested she would need to leave cricket after marriage to focus on raising children. “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. The strangest question he asked was, ‘If something happened to my mother, would you look after her or go and play cricket?’ I replied, ‘What sort of question is this?’ He said: ‘I need to know what is more important to you.’ I told him that would depend on the situation,” she explained.
Resisting Societal Pressures
Mithali also shared that even friends advised her to adjust her perspective on relationships, warning that her dedication to cricket might hinder her chances of finding a life partner. “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. It triggered 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 stated.
Mithali Raj’s reflections shed light on the societal expectations placed on women, particularly those who excel in their careers, and her determination to prioritize her passion for cricket over traditional norms.
