Mithali Raj Retires: India ODI & Test captain Mithali Raj has decided to call it quits, pulling the curtains down on an illustrious 23-year career. Following the ODI World Cup in New Zealand, speculations were rife about her retirement. On Wednesday, she decided to hang her boots ahead of cricket’s return to Commonwealth Games. Follow Commonwealth Games 2022 Live Updates on InsideSport.IN.
Mithali Raj made her international debut in 1999 against Ireland and went on to play 232 matches, scoring 7,805 runs. She is also one of the handful of women cricketers to score 10,000 interntaional runs.
Mithali Raj Retires: Women’s Cricket legend & India captain Mithali Raj calls it quits, retires from cricket after 23 years of illustrious career
Mithali Raj Career Highlights:
- W-Test: 699 runs in 12 matches @ 43.68
- W-ODI: 7,805 runs in 232 matches @ 50.68
- W-T20I: 2,364 Runs in 89 matches @ 37.52
- Mithali is the youngest player to score a double century in Women’s Tests.
- She has had the longest career in women’s cricket.
- She finished as the highest run-scorer in Women’s ODIs
- She is one of the handful players to score a century on international debut.
- Mithali has the record of scoring seven consecutive half-centuries in WODIs.
Mithali Raj Retires: Women’s Cricket legend & India captain Mithali Raj calls it quits, retires from cricket after 23 years of illustrious career
Mithali is retiring as the leading run-scorer in the women’s ODIs. She represented India in 232 matches, scoring 7805 runs at an average of 50.68. In Tests, Mithali has smashed 699 runs in 12 matches with a brilliant average of 43.68. She also has 2364 runs in 89 T20Is. Mithali, who made her debut in 2002, is regarded as the greatest Indian women’s batter. She captained the side to two 50-over World Cups.
At 16, Raj scored an unbeaten 114 on ODI debut and soon established herself as a vital clog in India’s batting order. In October 2019, Raj, at 36, became the first woman to complete two decades in ODI cricket. Mithali Raj is currently in the seventh position in the latest ICC Women’s ODI batting rankings, released on Tuesday.
Mithali Raj Retires: Women’s Cricket legend & India captain Mithali Raj calls it quits, retires from cricket after 23 years of illustrious career
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
Mithali Raj Full Statement:
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 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.
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.
Your contribution to Indian Cricket has been phenomenal. Congratulations @M_Raj03 on an amazing career. You leave behind a rich legacy.
We wish you all the very best for your second innings 🙌🙌 pic.twitter.com/0R66EcM0gT
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 8, 2022
I’d like to thank the BCCI & Shri Jay Shah Sir (Honorary Secretary, BCCI) for all the support I have received – first as a player and then as the Captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team.
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.
Special mention to all my fans, thank you for all your love & support.
Mithali Raj Retires: Women’s Cricket legend & India captain Mithali Raj calls it quits, retires from cricket after 23 years of illustrious career
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