Legend Mithali Raj retires
Having started playing for India in 1999 as a 16-year old, Mithali Raj became one of the all-time greats of the cricket world.
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An era has come to an end. India's veteran cricket player Mithali Raj announced her retirement after a glorious international career spanning nearly 23 years. She released a statement on social media on Wednesday, saying: "Thank you for all your love & support over the years! I look forward to my 2nd innings with your blessing and support."
Having started playing for India in 1999 as a 16-year old, Mithali grew to become one of the all-time greats of the game. She represented India in 12 Tests, 232 ODIs and 89 T20Is in all and was also the captain that led them to the finals of two World Cups.
In ODIs, after starting off with a hundred on debut in 1999, she finishes as the highest run-scorer in the world she finishes with a tally of 7805 runs with seven hundreds and 64 fifties in all. In Women's Tests, she is India's only double centurion, with her 214 against England in 2002 also the second-highest individual score in the game.
She also penned an emotional note while making the announcement. "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 & enjoyable years of my life," read her post.
“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 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 added.
“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 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,” she added.