New Delhi: Senior Indian cricketer and the world’s highest run scorer in one-day internationals, Mithali Raj retired Wednesday from all forms of international cricket.
The middle-order batswoman hung up her boots while captaining India’s Test and One-Day teams.
Announcing her retirement on Twitter, Raj wrote: “… the last 23 years have been the most fulfilling, challenging and enjoyable years of my life”.
She said it was an honour to have led the Indian team for so many years. “It definitely shaped me as a person & hopefully helped shape Indian Women’s Cricket as well.”
“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,” she wrote.
Mithali, 39, made her debut in 1999 and is considered among the greatest Indian batswomen of all times. She led her side to two 50-over World Cup finals and scored 7805 runs in 232 matches — the only woman cricketer to surpass 7,000 runs in ODIs.
She played 89 T20s and notched up 2364 runs. She also played 12 Tests.
In her emotional Twitter post, Mithali said she 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,” she said.
“Like all journeys, this one too must come to an end,” she wrote.
Mithali hinted another journey beckons as she would “love to stay involved in the game… and contribute to the growth of Women’s Cricket in India and (the) world over”.
Also read: Mithali Raj retires from T20 International cricket, says focus on 2021 World Cup