MUMBAI: India's greatest woman batter, Mithali Raj, capped her illustrious 23-year-long professional career by announcing retirement from international cricket on Wednesday, stating that the journey had been "most fulfilling".
Mithali, who arrived on the international scene smashing 114 on debut at the age of 16, soon established herself as the mainstay of India batting. She went on to lead the side for most part of her illustrious career that also saw her captain the national side to two 50-over World Cup finals — the only one to do so in India, male or female.
Mithali Raj, 39, announced her retirement on social media, posting a letter on twitter, which traced her more than two-decade-long journey.
"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," wrote Mithali, the highest run-getter in ODI cricket, having scored 7,805 runs in 232 games at an average of 50.68.
Mithali's consistency was legendary as she ended up scoring seven ODI centuries, and a mind-boggling 64 half-tons in a career which had just seven ducks.
Legendary England cricketer Charlotte Edwards came a distant second to Mithali, with her nearly two-decade-long career fetching her 5,992 runs from 191 games at an average of 38.16.
Mithali did not let age come in the way as she continued to strive for the World Cup, but unfortunately her last campaign — in New Zealand this year — ended in India's premature exit. There was speculation that Mithali would announce her retirement on return from New Zealand, but she preferred to delay it and finally called it quits on the eve of the big-tixket men's T20I series between the KL Rahul-led India and South Africa.
"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.
Mithali also scored 2,364 runs in 89 T20Is, as well as 699 runs in 12 Tests, including a century and four half-centuries. She also finishes as the No.7-ranked batter in the ICC Women's ODI Player Rankings.
"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 said.
"I'd like to thank the BCCI and 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," added Mithali in her letter.
It was during the 2017 ODI World Cup that Mithali surpassed Edwards to become the highest run-scorer in ODIs and the first woman cricketer to score 6,000 runs in the format.
Mithali hinted that she would perhaps be open to coaching assignments or whatever role the Indian cricket board deemed suitable for a player of her calibre.
"It was an honour to have led the team for so many years. It definitely shaped me as a person and 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 and support," she said. IANS
MITHALI'S RECORDS :
Top run-getter in women's internationals
In July 2021, Mithali Raj became the leading run-getter in women's internationals, going past England's Charlotte Edwards (10,273 runs). Edwards and Raj remain the only two women cricketers to have breached the 10k run-mark.
Leading ODI run-scorer in women's cricket
At 7805 runs in 232 matches, Raj is the highest run-scorer in women's ODIs. The next best, Edwards, is nearly 1813 runs behind. Raj is the only player in the top seven with an average of over 50. Her tally of 2364 runs in women's T20Is is the highest for India.
Second Youngest Centurion
She scored a century on ODI debut in 1999. At 16 years and 205 days, she became the youngest centurion in women's internationals. The record was only broken 22 years later in 2021, when Ireland's Amy Hunter achieved that feat on her 16th birthday.
Most matches
Raj is one of only two players to have played more than 200 ODIs (the other being longtime teammate Jhulan Goswami). Raj has played the most ODIs – 232.
Most fifties
Raj has 71 fifty-plus scores in ODIs and 17 fifty-plus scores in T20Is. Her combined tally of 88 fifty-plus scores is the most by any player in women's international cricket.
Most runs in a series by captain
In the 2014-17 ICC Women's Championship, Raj scored 535 runs in 17 matches, the most by an India captain in an ODI series.
Best in Test
She is the only Indian woman to score a double century in Tests. Her score of 214 (v England in 2002) is the second-highest individual score in women's Tests.
Longest career
Having debuted at the age of 16 in 1999, Raj has also had the longest international career in women's cricket. It spanned for over 23 years.
Most wins as captain
Raj has 89 wins out of 155 as captain – the most by any player in women's ODIs. Her 155 matches as captain is also the highest in women's ODIs.
Most World Cup matches captained
She went past Belinda Clark's record of most matches captained in ICC Women's Cricket World Cups during the 2022 edition – she skippered in 28 matches.
Asia Cup record
Raj has led India to four consecutive Asia Cup titles – 2005-06, 2006-07, 2008, when they beat Sri Lanka in the finals each time, and in 2012, when they defeated Pakistan.
Conquering England
Raj made history in 2014 when she led India to their first Test series victory against England. The feat was achieved in England, and Raj guided the team home with an unbeaten 50 in the second innings.
Reactions on Twitter:
"One of the cricket's legends calls time on an illustrious international career." - ICC
"Your contribution to Indian Cricket has been phenomenal. Congratulations @M_Raj03 on an amazing career. You leave behind a rich legacy. We wish you all the very best for your second innings." - BCCI
"To play for India is a dream a very few fulfill and to be able represent the nation for 23 years is just amazing. You have been a pillar to Women's Cricket in India and have shaped the lives of many young girls. Many congratulations on a phenomenal career @M_Raj03." - VVS Laxman.
"Congratulations @M_Raj03 on a glorious career. You are a role model and an inspiration to many. Wishing you the very best in your second innings." - Anil Kumble.
"Cricket is a dream and when I started off my career I had no idea that women's cricket existed but the only name ever told or heard was yours @M_Raj03 Di. You sewed the seed for all the young girls to take up this sport and dream big. Wish you the best in life." - Harmanpreet Kaur.
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