Mithali Raj Announces Her Retirement From T20Is

Mithali Raj, the torch-bearer of the women’s cricket in India has announced her retirement from T20I cricket with immediate effect. She recently made herself unavailable for the T20I series against South Africa. This will be a massive blow for India ahead of the upcoming Women’s World T20 next year.

Mithali has led India in 32 T20Is including the three Women’s WT20 World Cups in 2012 (Sri Lanka), 2014 (Bangladesh) and 2016 (India). Meanwhile, Mithali Raj was no more an automatic choice in the shortest-form despite boasting a healthy average of over 35.

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Speaking on her retirement, the veteran batter said that it was in the best interest of the team. Moreover, Mithali Raj wishes to concentrate more on the upcoming 50-overs World Cup in 2021. She is keen to give her best and win a World Cup for her country.

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“After representing India in T20 internationals since 2006, I wish to retire from T20Is to focus my energies on readying myself for the 2021 One Day World Cup. It remains my dream to win a World Cup for my country and I want to give it my best. I thank the BCCI for their continuous support and wish the Indian T20 team good luck as they prepare for the home series against South Africa Women,” said Mithali Raj.

Since leading India in the first T20I in 2006, Mithali Raj 89 T20Is for his country. She has amassed 2364 runs including 17 fifties, the most by an Indian woman in T20Is. Mithali is also the first Indian to reach the landmark of 2000 T20I runs. Meanwhile, she continues to lead India in the ODIs.

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