Mithali Raj Announces Retirement From All Forms Of International Cricket

Indian women team captain and batter, Mithali Raj has announced her retirement from all forms of international cricket at the age of 39. She retired from T20Is back in September 2019 but continued to play in ODIs and Tests.

Mithali is the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket and is considered to be one of the most influential figures in helping grow women’s cricket in India.

To date, she is the only female cricketer to cross the 7,000-run mark in ODI Cricket. In 232 ODIs, she has scored 7,805 runs at an average of 50.68 including 7 centuries. Her tally of 64 fifties is the highest in WODIs.

“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, & 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 out 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 in a message posted on Twitter.

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

“I’d love to stay involved in the game” – Mithali Raj

Mithali Raj went on to express her interest in being involved with women’s cricket in any way she can. She has inspired many women to take up the sport and the 39-year-old hopes to continue being able to do so in the future.

“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. 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 further mentioned.

Mithali has played 12 Tests for India scoring 699 runs and 89 T20Is where she amassed 2,364 runs. In total, she racked up 10,868 runs across formats and is the leading run-scorer in Women’s International Cricket.

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