Indian women’s cricket caption Mithali Raj has announced her retirement from all forms of international cricket. The 39-year-old in recent times captained India in the ICC Women’s World Cup that was retained in New Zealand. She was also the Test skipper at the time of her retirement.
Mithali wrote a note on her official Twitter handle on Wednesday, declaring that she is quitting all forms of international cricket. Her post read:
“I set out as a little girl on the journey to wear the India blues as representing your country is the highest honor. The journey was full of highs and some lows. Each event taught me something unique and the last 23 years have been the most fulfilling, challenging & enjoyable years of my life.”
Thank you for all your love & support over the years!
I look forward to my 2nd innings with your blessing and support. pic.twitter.com/OkPUICcU4u— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) June 8, 2022
Mithali Raj’s post further read:
“Like all journeys, this one too must come to an end. Today is the day I retire from all forms of international cricket. Each time I stepped on the field, I gave my very best with the intent to help India win. I will always cherish the opportunity given to me to represent the tricolour.”
The Indian caption asserted that she think this is the right time to quit. She considered that the team is in the “capable hands of some very expert young players” and said that the future of Indian cricket is “bright.”
Mithali secured 68 of 84 in her last international games for India against South Africa in Christchurch during the 50-over World Cup in March. India experienced heartbreak though as they went down in an exciting game by 3-wickets and were knocked out of the match ahead of the semi-finals.
Mithali Raj’s work in numbers
Having made her international debut in 1999, Mithali went on to present India in 12 Tests, 232 ODIs, and 89 T20Is.
She secured 699 runs in Test games at an average of 43.68. In one-dayers, the right-hander amassed 7805 runs at an average of 50.68 with 7-hundred and 64 fifties. She also secured 2364 runs in T20Is at an average of 37.52 before retiring from the format in 2019.
In ODIs – 7805 runs, 50.68 ave
In T20I – 2364 runs, 37.52 ave
In Tests – 699 runs, 43.68 aveMithali Raj is the highest runs scorer in women's Cricket history. Awarded by Arjuna, Padma Shri & Khel Ratna awards. The GOAT. Thank you, Legend Mithali Raj for all beautiful memories. pic.twitter.com/ke9iRspyKF
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) June 8, 2022
Mithali Raj will retire as the leading run-taker in women’s ODI cricket and is the only performer with over 7000 runs in the format. In July 2021, she became the leading run-taker in all of the women’s international cricket, going past Charlotte Edwards’ tally of 10,273 runs.