Mithali Raj, the all-time highest run-scorer in international women’s cricket has announced her retirement.
Raj, 39, made the announcement on Twitter where she summed up her legendary 23-year-long career.
‘Thank you for all your love & support over the years! I look forward to my 2nd innings with your blessing and support. 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 also retires as the most-capped India women’s cricketer of all time, appearing in 333 games for India, in addition to her world record 10,868 runs.
As captain, Raj led India to the finals of two World Cups – 2005 and 2017, but could not get past the line.
Raj scored 68 off 84 balls in her final international ODI, against South Africa iat the World Cup in March 2022, but it wasn’t enough as India lost the match by three wickets. She however became the oldest Indian batter to score a fifty in a Women’s ODI World Cup game.
‘A wonderful career comes to an end! Thank you @M_Raj03 for your immense contribution to Indian cricket. Your leadership on the field has brought much glory to the National women’s team. Congratulations for an illustrious innings on the field and best wishes for your next innings,’BCCI secretary Jay Shah tweeted
‘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,’ Raj tweeted.
‘The journey may have ended but another one beckons as I’d loke to stay involved in the game I love and contribute to the growth of Women’s cricket in India and the world over,’ the statement concluded, potentially signaling she may continue in some form in cricket.
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