Mithali Raj Retires From All Forms Of Cricket After 23 Years

New Delhi: Ace Indian cricketer Mithali Raj has announced her decision to retire from all forms of international cricket. The 39-year-old Mithali is the leading run-scorer in women’s ODIs and finished with 7805 runs in the format.

India had reached the final of the women’s ODI World Cup back in 2017 under Mithali Raj.

In 89 T20 Internationals, Mithali raj scored 2364 runs while she collected 699 runs in 12 Test matches. Under Mithali Raj, India had reached the final of the women’s ODI World Cup back in 2017.

Mithali Raj had made her debut in June 1999 and retired as one of the most accomplished cricketers for India. She played her last match for India in the World Cup against South Africa. India failed to go past the group stages in the World Cup but Mithali scored 68 off 84 in what turned out to be her last match for the country. India Today reported.

In an emotional note posted on Twitter, Mithali Raj said she had given her best for the country.

“I set out as a little girl on the journey to wear the India blues as representing your country is the highest honour. GThe 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 wrote in her letter.

Mithali Raj finished her international career with 7 ODI hundreds and 1 Test hundred. In Tests, she scored 4 half-centuries while she hit 64 half-centuries in ODIs and 17 in T20Is.