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.â€
“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.
