Mithali Raj has declared her retirement from international cricket in all formats. Mithali, who is 39 years old, is the top run-scorer in women’s one-day internationals, having scored 7805 runs in the format.
Mithali Raj scored 2364 runs in 89 Twenty20 Internationals and 699 runs in 12 Test matches. India have reached the final of the women’s ODI World Cup in 2017 under Mithali Raj’s leadership.
Mithali Raj made her debut in June 1999 and went on to become one of India’s most renowned cricketers. Her final match for India was against South Africa in the World Cup.
India did not advance beyond the group stages of the World Cup, but Mithali scored 68 off 84 in her final match for the country.
Mithali Raj wrote an impassioned letter on Twitter, saying she had given her all for the country.
Mithali expressed herself in her letter,
“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 and 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.
I’d like to thank the BCCI and Shri Jay Shah Sir (Honorary Secrertary, 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 and hopefully helped shape Indian Women’s Cricket as well”.
Mithali Raj had seven ODI hundreds and one Test century in her international career. She struck four half-centuries in Tests, 64 in ODIs, and 17 in Twenty20 Internationals.
Featured Image: Rediff.com
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