Punam Raut, part of India’s 2017 World Cup finals, retires from international cricket

Indian women’s cricket team’s top batsman Punam Raut on Thursday unceremoniously announced her retirement from all forms of international cricket with immediate effect.The 37-year-old represented India in four Tests, 73 ODIs and 35 T20Is between 2009 and 2021.“After much thought and consideration, I have decided to retire from international cricket in all formats of the game,” Raut said in a post on her Instagram page.“Representing India has been the greatest honor of my life. Cricket was more than just a sport – it shaped my character, taught me resilience and gave me memories that I will cherish forever. Every time I donned the India jersey, I did so with immense pride and gratitude.“To wear the India jersey was a dream come true and I will always be grateful for the trust and support I have received.”Raut also thanked the Mumbai Cricket Association for its role in her development as a cricketer.“I sincerely thank the Mumbai Cricket Association for believing in me during my formative years. The opportunities and guidance I got there laid the foundation of my cricketing journey,” said Raut.She has scored 2,299 runs in 73 ODIs, 719 runs in 35 T20Is and 264 runs in four Tests. Her international career included four centuries – three in ODIs and one in a Test against South Africa in 2014 – along with 15 ODI half-centuries and four in T20Is. Her last international appearance was in an ODI against England in June 2021.One of Raut’s most memorable performances came during India’s run to the final of the 2017 Women’s World Cup. She scored 381 runs in the tournament, including 86 against England in the final at Lord’s, which India lost by nine runs.During the same World Cup, Raut scored 109 against Ireland and shared a record 320-run opening partnership with Deepti Sharma.In 2021, Raut was part of India’s historic pink-ball Test against Australia. She scored 36 in the first innings and earned plaudits for walking out after going over the serve despite not being given out.