The right-handed upper Middle-order batter, Test and ODI captain of the Indian Women’s National Cricket team Mithali Raj on Wednesday announced her retirement from all forms of international cricket after a 23-year-long illustrious career.
In a tweet the Padma Shree and Khel Ratna awardee said, she is hanging up her boots after a 23-year-long illustrious career.
“Thank you for all your love & support over the years. I look forward to my 2nd innings with your blessing and support,” she said in her note.
She penned: “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 & enjoyable years of my life. Like all journeys, this one too must come to an end.”
“It was an honour to have led the team for so many years…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 the world over,” the note reads.
The 39-year-old made her international debut in 1999 against Ireland and featured in 232 ODIs, 89 T20Is and 12 Tests for India.
She retires as the most-capped Indian women’s cricketer of all time and one of the leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket.
She is a right-handed upper Middle-order batter and has occasionally bowled right-arm leg break.
