Mithali Raj is one of the finest cricketers the country has ever seen. The 36-year-old ODI skipper who is often referred to as ‘the Sachin Tendulkar of women’s cricket,’ has 2364 runs under her belt in the T20 format and the distinction of playing the most number of ODIs among the ‘Women in Blue’. Even though she’s retired from the 20-over format, her 50-over game is strong as ever.
According to The Economic Times, after the team beat South Africa to win the ODI series 3-0 on Monday, everyone celebrated the captain’s 100th victory and completion of 20 years in international cricket.
20 years in international cricket and counting 🙌🙌
Congratulations to Captain @M_Raj03 👏👏
The team cut a cake for her before the 3rd ODI against South Africa #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/tPd0ebBgJ0— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) October 14, 2019
A brilliant performance by the @BCCIWomen to win the ODI series against South Africa Women 3-0. A special mention to @M_Raj03 on leading the team with distinction and completing 20 wonderful years in International Cricket. #INDWvSAW pic.twitter.com/OV8v5bX63a
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 14, 2019
She received high praise and complimentary messages online but when someone congratulated her by calling her “tamilatchi” (Tamil lady), Twitter user @vasugi29 took exception and questioned the cricketer’s knowledge of the language.
She doesn't know Tamil. She will speak in eng, Telugu, Hindi.
— Sugu (@vasugi29) October 15, 2019
She didn't gave any interview in Tamil. Not even single word speak in Tamil during many events. Just like actress knows few Tamil.
— Sugu (@vasugi29) October 15, 2019
Mithali responded in fluent Tamil by tweeting, “Tamil is my mother tongue. I speak Tamil well. I am proud to live in Tamil Nadu.” The Indian Express reports that she also sent the user a Taylor Swift song named ‘Calm Down’ which is aimed at trolls and bullies on social media.
தமிழ் என் தாய் மொழி..
நான் தமிழ் நன்றாக பேசுவேன்..
தமிழனாய் வாழ்வது எனக்கு பெருமை.. but above it all I am very proud indian ! Also my dear sugu ,you constant criticism on each and every post of mine ,you day to day advice on how and what should I do is exactly what keeps me going https://t.co/udOqOO2ejx— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) October 15, 2019
Also, I would like to dedicate @vasugi29 a very famous song by a strong independent woman I admire a lot . Enjoy 🙂 https://t.co/o34CtfCZCB
— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) October 15, 2019
Just like her batting shots, she’s knocked this out of the park. The stuff of mic drops, don’t you think?