Indian women’s batsman Punam Raut has announced her retirement from international cricket
Punam Raut called time on her international cricket career and announced her retirement on Thursday, October 15, after representing India for over 12 years. The right-handed batsman made her international debut in 2009, making her last international appearance against England in June 2021.
Raut leaves behind a record of 3,282 runs across formats. She amassed 2,299 runs in 73 ODIs and 719 runs in 35 T20Is, adding another 264 runs in four Test matches. Her international career included four centuries, including three in ODIs and one in Tests, along with 15 ODI half-centuries and four fifties in T20Is.
In a lengthy Instagram post, Punam reminisced about her journey and said that representing India was a privilege she carried with immense pride.
Dough also thanked everyone who has been a part of her journey, saying cricket has given her purpose, identity and family.
“One last time for the little girl who dared to dream.
“From the streets of Mumbai to donning the Indian jersey, this journey has been nothing short of a blessing. A journey full of sacrifices, struggles, unforgettable victories, hard lessons and moments that I will remember for a lifetime.”
“Representing India was never just a dream come true; it was a privilege I carried with immense pride.”
“As I close this chapter of my international cricket career, my heart is full of gratitude for everyone who has believed in me, stood by me and been a part of my journey.”
“Cricket has given me more than just a career. It has given me meaning, identity and family,” Punam said.
Talking about her next step, Punam said that she will try to get back into the game.
“The player in me may get sidetracked, but the love for this game never fades. My next innings is about giving back to the game that gave me everything,” Punam said.
One of the defining phases of Raut’s career came during India’s memorable campaign in the Women’s World Cup in 2017. She finished the tournament with 381 runs and was instrumental in the team’s run to the final against England at Lord’s.
Raut scored a fighting 86 in the title race, but India patiently flopped and lost by nine runs. Earlier in the tournament, she registered a century against Ireland, paired with Deepti Sharma for a 320-run opening partnership that remains a record.
Her final years in international cricket also saw a significant moment during India’s historic pink ball Test against Australia in 2021. Raut scored 36 in the first innings and was widely praised for her sportsmanship. after leaving the field despite not being issuedafter exceeding the supply.
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