Cricket News: Mithali Raj, India’s archetypal legend, has declared her retirement from international cricket. Mithali, 39, announced the news on Twitter, where she offered a touching comment about her 23-year career. Mithali Raj retires as the most capped female cricketer in India’s history, as well as the leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket, with 10,868 runs from 333 matches.
“Thank you for all your love & support over the years! I look forward to my 2nd innings with your blessing and support,” she tweeted. “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.”
Mithali, an Arjuna and Padma Shri awardee, made her acting debut at the age of 16 in 1999 and went on to become one of the all-time greats over the next two decades. Mithali Raj led India to two World Cup finals as captain, in 2015 and 2017.
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
“A wonderful career comes to an end! Thank you @M_Raj03 for your immense contribution to Indian cricket. Your leadership on the field has brought much glory to the National women’s team. Congratulations for illustrious innings on the field and best wishes for your next innings,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah tweeted congratulating Mithali on her wonderful career.
Mithali’s final international match would be against South Africa during the World Cup as a result of the decision. She made 68 runs off 84 balls, but it wasn’t enough as India was knocked out by three wickets. Mithali was the first batter in women’s ODI history to score seven fifty in a row.
“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,” she wrote in her statement.
