Mithali Raj announces retirement from all forms of International Cricket
After 23 years of performance on the pitch, the legendary cricketer Mithali Raj, 39, captain of the Indian women’s cricket team in ODIs and Tests, has announced her retirement from all forms of international cricket.
Mithali Raj posted the news about her retirement on her Twitter page. “Thank you for all your love & support over the years! I look forward to my 2nd innings with your blessing and support,” tweeted Mithali. “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,” said Mithali. The cricketer has amassed India with 10,868 runs from 333 appearances for the country.
Mithali Raj is the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket and she is considered to be one of the greatest female cricketers ever. She holds numerous records in international cricket. She is the only female cricketer to surpass the 7,000 run mark in Women’s One Day international matches. Moreoevr, she is the first player to score seven consecutive 50s in ODIs. Raj also holds the record for most half-centuries in WODIs.
Read Also: Australia’s World No.1 Ashleigh Barty retires from tennis
Mithali made her international debut in June 1999, in an ODI against Ireland. It was under her captaincy that India reached the final of the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup, where they narrowly lost to England. Mithali was also captain of the team in 2005 when India had lost to Australia in the final of the ICC Women’s World Cup. She is the recipient of several national and international awards, including the Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in the World in 2017, Arjuna Award in 2003, the Padma Shri in 2015, and Major Dhyanchand khel Ratna in 2021, All by the Government of India.
