Curtains called

Mithali Raj ends her career as the highest run-scorer in women’s cricket across the format

India’s most prolific women cricketer Mithali Raj bid goodbye to international after having a glorious career spread over about 23 years.

She last captained India against South Africa in the Women’s World Cup in March when the team failed to make the semi-finals of the 50-over showpiece.

The right-handed batter posted a heartfelt note on Twitter to announce her retirement on Wednesday.

“Today is the day I retire from all forms of international cricket,” Raj, who quit Twenty20 internationals in 2019, wrote in a statement posted on Twitter. “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 added.

“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.”

Raj led India to two 50-over World Cup finals and finishes with 7,805 runs including seven centuries in 232 ODI matches.

She began her career in 1999 in a one-day international against Ireland.

Raj is India’s only double centurion in women’s Tests, with her 214 against England in 2002.

She says she intends to stay involved with cricket somehow.

“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,” said Raj.

“Special mention to all my fans, thank you for all your love & support.”

Incredible feats

The captain of the India women’s ODI and Test team, Raj, has numerous records under her belt, including being the highest run-getter in ODIs with 7,805 in 232 matches. Moreover, she scored 2,364 runs in 89 T0Is and 699 in 12 Test matches, which makes her the highest aggregate run-scorer across formats in the history of women’s cricket with 10,868 runs.

Moreover, another incredible feat achieved by the 39-year-old is having the longest ODI career, spanning over 22 years and 274 days, longer than India’s greatest batter Sachin Tendulkar (22 years and 91 days), Sri Lanka’s legend Sanath Jayasuriya (21 years and 184 days and Pakistan’s batting great Javed Miandad (20 years and 272 days).

Raj as a captain was also incredibly successful. In fact, she ended her career as the second most successful skipper, leading the side in 195 matches, winning 109 and losing 79 of them.

Only England’s legend Charlotte Edwards has a better record than her with 220 matches as captain, where she won on 142 occasions and lost on 65.

The legendary woman cricketer made her debut in 1999 at an age of 16 years and 205 days and scored a century on her first outing, which made her the youngest centurion in the history of international cricket. Her record was broken by Ireland’s Amy Hunter in 2021 when she scored a century on her 16th birthday.

What they say

As Raj announced her decision of leaving international cricket, tributes started to pour in on Twitter. Many international male and female cricketers also hailed the former Indian captain as a legend and praised her career.

Pakistan’s former women captain Sana Mir mentioned that it was an honour for her to share the field with her Indian counterpart.

“All the best for what the future holds for you Mithali! Your impact on Indian Cricket and World Cricket will continue. You have been inspiration to so many from across the globe. Honoured to have shared the field with you,” she wrote.

On the other hand, the Women-in-Green’s captain Bismah Maroof called Raj a great ambassador of the game.

“One of the premier cricketers of the world and a great ambassador of the sport. Congrats on a wonderful career @M_Raj03. All the best for your future endeavors,” she stated.

Moreover, South Africa’s Mignon du Preez dubbed it a sad day as women’s cricket will miss her.

“This is a sad day for women’s cricket, you will be missed @M_Raj03. All the best for your future endeavours,” she maintained.

The highest run-scorer in the history of men’s cricket, Sachin Tendulkar called Raj an inspiration to young girls who want to play for India and wished her the best for her future endeavours.

“Congratulations on a stellar career Mithali Raj! Your contribution to Indian Women’s Cricket over the last 23 years has been immense and you have been an inspiration to young girls wanting to play for India. Wishing you the very best for all your future endeavours,” said the batting great.

Meanwhile, India’s former star all-rounder Yuvraj Singh congratulated the stellar performer on having a wonderful journey.

“Congratulations on a wonderful career @M_Raj03! Not only have you set remarkable records, you led by example each time you stepped on to the field. Countless youngsters around the world look up to you with inspiration and pride! Here’s wishing you good luck for the next innings,” he tweeted.

After the retirement of Raj, Harmanpreet Kaur, India’s T20I captain has been given the responsibility of leading the side in the 50-over format as well.