India batter Punam Raut retired from international cricket on Thursday, October 15. Raut was out of the Indian team for years and last represented the side in 2021. In a career that lasted more than a decade, Punam Raut scored 2299 runs in 73 ODIs, 719 runs in 35 T20Is, and 264 runs in the four Tests she played for the country.
She also scored four international centuries, including three ODI hundreds and one Test century against South Africa.
Raut is fondly remembered for her terrific run in the 2017 Women’s World Cup, where she scored 381, including a century against Ireland, to help India reach the final, where they suffered a close defeat by nine runs.
Raut confirmed the retirement with a social media post on Instagram. Reflecting on her journey, she wrote, “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,” she added. “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.”
Punam Raut also said that cricket gave her everything in life and she would like to return the favour to the sport, hinting at a possible coaching stint or commentary roles.
“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.”