India top-order batter Punam Raut has retired from all forms of international cricket with immediate effect. She announced the decision on Instagram, a day after she turned 37.
Raut represented India from 2009 to 2021 and played four Tests, 73 ODIs and 35 T20Is. She shared her message on the social media platform on Wednesday.
Punam Raut Retirement Statement on Instagram
Raut said she made the decision after much thought and reflection. She described representing India as the greatest honour of her life.
She wrote that cricket shaped her character, taught her resilience and gave her memories she will carry for good. Raut also said she wore the India jersey with pride and gratitude every time she took the field.
She thanked the Mumbai Cricket Association for backing her in her early years. According to Raut, the opportunities and guidance she received there laid the foundation of her career.
Punam Raut ODI Career and 2017 Women’s World Cup
Raut played most of her cricket in the ODI format, where she scored 2,299 runs at an average of 34.83. Her record includes three centuries and 15 half-centuries.
She featured in three ODI World Cups, in 2009, 2013 and 2017. In the 2017 edition, she hit a century against Australia in a league match. She then top-scored for India with 86 in the final against England.
India fell short of the trophy that year. Raut said the tournament changed the future of the women’s game in the country and inspired a generation of young girls.
She also holds a place in the record books through a 320-run opening stand with Deepti Sharma against Ireland in Potchefstroom in 2017. Raut retired hurt on 109 off 116 balls in that match, while Deepti made 188 off 160.
Punam Raut Test and T20I Record
Raut began her Test career with a duck. She made up for it in her third Test, scoring 130 against South Africa in Mysore in 2014.
In T20Is, she scored 719 runs at an average of 27.65 and a strike rate of 92.17. Her tally includes four half-centuries.
She played in four T20 World Cups, in 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2014. Her best efforts came in a match-winning 54 not out against Pakistan in 2009 and a 56 off 52 balls against West Indies in 2014.
Raut played her last game for India in a drawn Test against Australia in Carrara in 2021. She scored 36 in the first innings and finished unbeaten on 41 in the second.
Her retirement comes as India begin a new phase under Smriti Mandhana, who has taken over as captain.
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