Indian women's cricket's pride Mithali Raj hangs her boots, announces retirement

Hyderabad: When you think of women's cricket, hers is one of the first names that come to your mind. In fact, it wouldn't be too much to say that she was one of the players who brought women's cricket to the mainstream in the country. Yes, Mithali Raj. Legendary Indian women's cricketer and former test and ODI captain of Indian Women's national team Mithali Raj announced her retirement from international cricket on Wednesday.

Mithali made her debut for India in 1999. She has played 12 tests, 232 ODIs, and 89 T20s for India in her 23-year-old careeer.

She shared a heartfelt retirement message on social media on Wednesday. "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. Like all journeys, this one too must come to an end. Today is the day I retire from all forms of International Cricket," she wrote.

Mithali is a right-hand upper middle order batswoman and occasional right arm leg break bowler. She is also the highest run-scorer in women's international cricket. In July 2021, in the third Women's One Day International WODI match against England, Mithali became the leading run-scorer in women's international cricket. She went past Charlotte Edwards' previous record of 10,273 runs.

Mithali holds numerous records in international cricket. She is the only female cricketer to surpass the 7,000 run mark in Women's One Day International matches. She is the first player to score seven consecutive 50s in ODIs. She also holds the record for most half-centuries in WODIs. During the 2018 Women's Twenty20 Asia Cup in June 2018, she became the first player from India (either male or female) to score 2000 runs in T20Is, and also became the first woman cricketer to reach 2000 WT20I runs.

In 2005, Mithali became the captain of the Indian women's cricket team. She is the only female player to have captained India in more than one ICC ODI World Cup final, twice in 2005 and 2017. On 1 February 2019, during India's series against New Zealand Women, she became the first woman to play in 200 ODI matches. In September 2019, she announced her retirement from T20Is to focus on ODI cricket. In 2019, she became the first woman to complete 20 years in 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. 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," she wrote in her retirement message.

Further, she thanked BCCI and its Chief Jay Shah and also her fans for their love and support. 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. 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."

Responding to the legendary player's announcement, the BCCI wrote on Twitter, "Your contribution to Indian Cricket has been phenomenal. Congratulations Mithali Raj on an amazing career. You leave behind a rich legacy. We wish you all the very best for your second innings."