Mithali Raj, the legend of Indian cricket, has announced her retirement from international cricket.
Mithali, 39, made the announcement on Twitter where she shared a heartwarming statement summing up her 23-year-long career.
Raj, wrote, “I feel now is the perfect time to call curtains on my playing career as the team is in the capable hands of some very talented young players and the future of Indian Cricket is bright.”
“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,” she wrote. “It was an honour to have led the team for so many years. It definitely shaped me as a person & hopefully helped shape Indian Women’s Cricket as well.”
She went on to say: “This journey may have ended but another one beckons as I’d love to stay involved in the game I love and contribute to the growth of Women’s Cricket in India and world over.”
She represented India in 232 matches, scoring 7805 runs at an average of 50.68.
She had earlier announced her retirement from T20 internationals. The stylish batter scored 2364 runs in 89 T20Is, the most by an Indian till date.
Mithali made her international debut in June 1999, in an ODI against Ireland. She had captained India in the ICC Women’s World Cup earlier this year in New Zealand, where India failed to qualify for the semi-finals.
She scored 8 international centuries and 85 fifties during her more than two decades long career.
Her innings of 214 against England in 2002, remains the second highest individual score by a batter in women’s Test cricket.
Here’s the full statement of Mithali Raj:
“I set out as a little girl on the journey to wear the India blues as representing your country is the highest honour. 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 and enjoyable years of my life.
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.
I feel now is the perfect time to call curtains on my playing career as the team is in the capable hands of some very talented young players and the future of the Indian cricket is bright.
I’d like to thank the BCCI and Shri Jay Shah Sir (Honorary Secretary, BCCI) for all the support I have received – first as a player and then as Captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team.
It was an honour to have led the team for so many years. It definitely shaped me as a person and hopefully helped shape Indian Women’s Cricket as well.
This journey may have ended but another one beckons as I’d love to stay involved in the game I love and contribute to the growth of Women’s Cricket in India and world over.
Special mention to all my fans, thank you for all your love & support. Mithali”
