Tributes Pour In As Mithali Raj Retires From International Cricket
‘I feel now is the perfect time to call curtains on my playing career,’ wrote Mithali.
Mithali Raj, one of the greatest Indian cricketers of the 21st century, has announced her retirement from all forms of international cricket. In a career spanning across two decades, Mithali represented India in 12 Tests, 232 ODIs, and 89 T20Is.
“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,” wrote Mithali on Twitter.
Thank you for all your love & support over the years!
— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) June 8, 2022
I look forward to my 2nd innings with your blessing and support. pic.twitter.com/OkPUICcU4u
She had already called time on her T20I career, having played her last match in 2019 against England. But the retirement from the other two formats of the game came as a surprise for fans. In ODIs, Mithali is the only women’s cricketer to score over 7000 runs, and that too at a stellar average of 50.68.
She burst onto the scene with a stunning century against Ireland on her ODI debut in 1999, and six years later, she captained the Indian team to the 2005 ODI World Cup. A decade later, she became the first Indian captain to reach two ODI World Cup finals after taking India to another World Cup decider in 2017.
Mithali Raj retires from International cricket:
— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) June 8, 2022
Longest ODI career for any player (Men/Women) – 22 yrs, 274d.
Most runs in WODIs – 7805
Most matches in WODIs – 232
Only Indian captain to lead to 2 ODI WC finals.
Youngest double-centurion in WTests
Thank you @M_Raj03
Mithali signaled her intention to stay connected with the game, so she might soon be seen in either administrative or coaching roles. “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 the world over.”
The BCCI led the congratulatory messages for Mithali on her storied career. “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,” wrote the BCCI.
Your contribution to Indian Cricket has been phenomenal. Congratulations @M_Raj03 on an amazing career. You leave behind a rich legacy.
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 8, 2022
We wish you all the very best for your second innings 🙌🙌 pic.twitter.com/0R66EcM0gT
One user pointed out the uncanny similarity between MS Dhoni and Mithali’s retirement. Both of them scored half-centuries in their last games, led their sides for the most number of matches, and retired without any farewell game.
MS Dhoni and Mithali Raj:
— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) June 8, 2022
– Captained most matches for India
– Last international match in recent ODI World Cup
– Both score a fifty then
– But India lost that match and out of World Cup
– Both retire later without a farewell
Here’s how others reacted:
Mithali Raj, one of India’s greatest batters across both genders, has retired from all forms of international cricket.
— Manasi Pathak (@ThatUnitedLady) June 8, 2022
At 39, she leaves as the highest run scorer in women’s international cricket.
Mithali Raj retires from the longer formats of the game, calling time on a storied international career spanning nearly 23 years.
— Annesha Ghosh (@ghosh_annesha) June 8, 2022
12 Tests, 232 ODIs, 89 T20Is and a 10868-international run tally later, cricket is richer for her to have chosen the sport and played it for so long.
Mithali Raj, a great not only of India but also the women’s game, has announced her retirement from international cricket.
— Murali End 🇱🇰🏴🇮🇳 (@MuraliPod) June 8, 2022
– 12 Tests, 232 ODIs, 89 T20Is
– 10,868 runs
– Most runs in women’s international cricket and women’s ODIs
What was your favourite moment of her career? pic.twitter.com/ktT6oz7oN0
Go well, legend. There has not been, and will not be, another like you. https://t.co/QP4T5i2SvA
— Abhishek Mukherjee (@ovshake42) June 8, 2022
Featured Image Credit: BCCI