Mithali Raj, the Indian veteran has announced retirement from all forms of international cricket. Raj announced the decision via her official Twitter handle, as the 39-year-old penned a heartfelt note for her fans.
Raj, the right-hand batter 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.”
Raj represented India in 12 Tests, 232 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and 89 T20 Internationals. The last time when she took the field, was a league stage game against South Africa, at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2022. Raj scored 68 runs in 84 balls, her 64th half-century, in that game. However, India lost that game by three wickets, eventually being knocked out of the tournament.
Furthermore, in the note, Raj added: “It was an honour to have led the team for so many years. It shaped me as a person and I hopefully helped shape Indian Women’s Cricket as well.”
One of India’s most prominent cricketers, Raj, captioned the Tweet: “Thank you for all your love & support over the years! I look forward to my 2nd innings with your blessing and support.”
Mithali Raj- A Legend of Indian Cricket
The former India skipper has led India in 155 One-Day Internationals, most in the women’s game. Moreover, Raj has notched 7805 runs at an average of 50.68, in ODIs. While in Tests, she has scored 699 runs at an average of 43.68, and in T20Is, Raj managed to smash 2364 runs at an average of 37.52
Raj, who literally reinvented the women’s cricket in India, led the side into two World Cup Finals, during her leadership era. Overall, Raj has 10,868 international runs in her account, which made her one of the legends of the game.
Written By Prachi Pisal
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