Indian star batter Mithali Raj announced her retirement from all forms of cricket, on June 8, and tributes poured in from all across the world. Raj finished her glorious career of more than two decades with a stunning fifty in her final match, a Women’s World Cup 2022 contest against South Africa.
Mithali Raj Announced Her Retirement
In the cricketing world, Mithali Raj will be remembered for her great contribution to Indian cricket and her dedication to this sport. Making her international debut in June 1999, at the age of 16, Mithali Raj shattered a plethora of records in her illustrious career. She is also one of the longest-serving Indian cricketers in the history of the game.
On Wednesday (June 8), she took to her social media and announced her retirement from international cricket via a lengthy note.
“I feel now is the perfect time to call curtains on my playing career as the team is in capable hands of some very talented young players and the future of Indian Cricket is bright,” Raj said in a statement on Twitter.
She added: “Thank you for all your love & support over the years! I look forward to my 2nd innings with your blessing and support.”
“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,”
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, wishes and tributes continue to pour in from all the corners. From cricketers and experts to fans, everyone is taking to social media to hail the brilliance of Mithali. Among many, batting legend Sachin Tendulkar also took to his Twitter and wrote a special tweet for Raj.
Sachin Tendulkar Hailed Raj
In his Tweet, Sachin congratulated the star batter on a stellar carrier and also lauded her contribution to Indian cricket over the last 23 years. He wrote:
“Congratulations on a stellar career Mithali Raj! Your contribution to Indian Women’s Cricket over the last 23 years has been immense and you have been an inspiration to young girls wanting to play for India. Wishing you the very best for all your future endeavours.”
Check out his Tweet:
Congratulations on a stellar career Mithali Raj!
Your contribution to Indian Women’s Cricket over the last 23 years has been immense and you have been an inspiration to young girls wanting to play for India.
Wishing you the very best for all your future endeavours. pic.twitter.com/QgioNIONWX
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 9, 2022
