Mithali Raj on Awkward Marriage Talks with Potential Grooms
Legendary cricketer Mithali Raj, widely regarded as one of the greatest women’s cricketers of all time, has always prioritized Indian cricket over her personal life. Despite her immense success on the field, Mithali frequently found herself in awkward discussions about marriage and family, often initiated by her relatives. During a candid conversation on Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast, Mithali opened up about the uncomfortable questions she faced from potential grooms, many of whom asked her to quit cricket after marriage.
“How Many Kids Do You Want?”: Mithali’s Awkward Chats
Mithali recalled how her aunts would arrange phone calls with potential suitors, leading to awkward conversations about post-marriage life. Instead of acknowledging her achievements as India’s cricket captain, many of the men focused on traditional expectations like having children or leaving cricket to take care of the household.
“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 were 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 on Ranveer Allahabadia’s show
“Would You Choose Cricket Over Family?”
Sharing one particularly shocking interaction, Mithali described being questioned about her priorities in a hypothetical situation involving her potential in-laws.
“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 saying, ‘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 asserted.
Friends’ Advice and Mithali’s Defiance
Mithali also revealed that even her friends advised her to change her mindset to accommodate societal expectations.
“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 Raj: A Pioneer Who Redefined Priorities
Despite societal pressures, Mithali Raj chose to remain dedicated to cricket, earning her place as one of the sport’s most celebrated icons. Her story not only highlights the challenges faced by women in balancing personal and professional lives but also serves as an inspiration to prioritize passion and purpose over outdated norms.
Key Highlights
- Mithali Raj revealed awkward marriage questions from potential grooms.
- Many suitors expected her to quit cricket after marriage.
- A man asked if she would choose cricket over caring for his family.
- Mithali refused to compromise her career, citing her sacrifices for Indian cricket.
