Punam Raut announces retirement from international cricket

Punam Raut last appeared for India in 2021. | Photo Credit: VIJAY SONEJI

Former India batter Punam Raut has announced her retirement from international cricket at the age of 37, ending a career that lasted for more than a decade.

Raut appeared for India in all three formats, scoring 264 runs in four Test, 2299 runs in 73 ODIs, and 719 runs in 35 T20Is. She scored 19 half-centuries and four tons, including a high score of 130 in a Test against South Africa in Mysuru in 2014.

She was a part of India’s 2017 World Cup runner-up squad, scoring 86 in a losing cause in the final, and also notched a 320-run opening partnership with Deepti Sharma against Ireland.

Her final international appearance came in a Test against Australia in Carrara in September 2021.

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“From the streets of Mumbai to wearing the Indian jersey, this journey has been nothing short of a blessing. A journey filled with sacrifices, struggles, unforgettable victories, tough lessons, and moments I will cherish for a lifetime.

Representing India was never just a dream fulfilled; it was a privilege I carried with immense pride,” Raut said in an Instagram post.

“As I close this chapter of my international cricket career, my heart is filled with gratitude for everyone who believed in me, stood by me, and became a part of my journey.

Cricket gave me more than a career. It gave me a purpose, an identity, and a family.”

Speaking about her future, she said, “The player in me may step aside, but the love for this game will never retire. My next innings is about giving back to the game that gave me everything.”