Legendary Indian cricketer Mithali Raj announced her retirement from international cricket on Wednesday. Raj took to her social media and shared a statement with her friends, wherein she thanked everyone for the “love and support”.
Mithali Raj Announced Retirement From International Cricket
Mithali Raj, who made her international debut in June 1999, is retiring as the leading run-getter in women’s ODIs.
She has represented the Indian cricket team in 232 matches, scoring 7805 runs at an average of 50.68. She had already retired from the shortest format of the game, where she has represented team India in 89 T20I games, scoring 2364 runs.
Earlier this year, she had captained the Indian cricket team in the ICC Women’s World Cup in New Zealand, where team India failed to qualify for the semi-finals. Raj had led team India to the final of the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup, where they lost to England. Not just this, back in 2005, Raj captained team India which had lost to Australia in the final of the ICC Women’s World Cup.
During her glorious career of more than two decades, Mithali Raj scored 8 international centuries and 85 half-centuries.
Meanwhile, sharing her decision to retire from the game, Mithali Raj took to her social media and shared a lengthy note.
“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,” she wrote.
“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,” she said.
“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 very bright,” she added.
Further, she also thanked the BCCI and Jay Shah for supporting her throughout her career. She wrote: “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,” she said.
“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,”
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
Meanwhile, social media has been buzzing with reactions from the netizens to this. From cricketers, and experts to fans, everyone is taking to their social media to hail Mithali Raj.
Check out some of the best reactions:
Indian batter Mithali Raj continues to hold on to her 7th position while compatriot Smriti Mandhana also remains in 9th position in the latest ICC Womens ODI batting rankings.
Veteran Indian pacer Jhulan Goswami also continues to be on 5th position in bowling list. pic.twitter.com/7NB65BccMD
— Prasar Bharati News Services पी.बी.एन.एस. (@PBNS_India) June 7, 2022
Congratulations @M_Raj03 on one beautiful journey. Fortunate to have played alongside. You’ve inspired oodles of young girls to take up the sport. Your name shall remained etched forever in the hearts of cricket fans. Well played, truly.
#mithaliraj pic.twitter.com/rC5coLutSc
— Reema Malhotra (@ReemaMalhotra8) June 8, 2022
Most runs. 23 long years. The Greatest of All Time.
Thank you for everything, Mithali Raj.
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) June 8, 2022
In India, the name Mithali Raj has been synonymous to women’s cricket. You have been an inspiration to millions all over the world. My best wishes to you for your future endeavours @M_Raj03.
— DK (@DineshKarthik) June 8, 2022
Towards the end of her career, Mithali had been in form longer than some of her teammates had been alive 🙂 That’s how long she served Indian cricket. Congratulations and thank you @M_Raj03. Good luck for your second innings
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 8, 2022
Mithali Raj was a lot of things, but first she was a batter.
Women were often taught cricket in the most technically correct way, even as male cricketers had long since moved on from picture perfect techniques. And Mithali was really the MCC Coaching manual in human form.
— Jarrod Kimber (@ajarrodkimber) June 8, 2022
In ODIs – 7805 runs, 50.68 ave
In T20I – 2364 runs, 37.52 ave
In Tests – 699 runs, 43.68 aveMithali Raj is the highest runs scorer in women’s Cricket history. Awarded by Arjuna, Padma Shri & Khel Ratna awards. The GOAT. Thank you, Legend Mithali Raj for all beautiful memories. pic.twitter.com/ke9iRspyKF
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) June 8, 2022
Best wishes to our finest cricketer #MithaliRaj as she announces retirement from International Cricket. As a player & as Captain of Indian Women’s Cricket Team, her innings hv been wonderful! A Big Thanks to Mithali for her contribution towards growth of women’s cricket in India. pic.twitter.com/EB32H3cEHq
— Lokesh Sharma (@_lokeshsharma) June 8, 2022
We overcame odds, both in life & on the cricket field, ever since we started playing U19 cricket. Your affection & support as a colleague & captain always inspired and pushed me towards achieving greater heights. You were outstanding both on and off the field. @M_Raj03 @BCCIWomen https://t.co/trPxGz6kBR
— Jhulan Goswami (@JhulanG10) June 8, 2022
Now on we can’t say Mithali Raj hena…
— Bleed Blue (@CricCrazyVeena) June 8, 2022
Mithali Raj retires from all formats of the game, Thank you legend.#MithaliRaj pic.twitter.com/O48wqKrjGL
— Karnati.Kumar (@Kumar779Kumar) June 8, 2022
