Indian star and ODI and Test Captain Mithali Raj announced her retirement on Wednesday. Mithali took to twitter to announce her retirement. Mithali, through an emotional message thanked all her fans for showering their love.
Mithali made her debut in June 1999 and is considered as one of the most accomplished cricketers for India. Not just in women’s cricket, but Mithali’s batting skill has been well acclaimed in Man’s format too. Mithali last appeared in an ODI against South Africa in World Cup last year. She made a knock of 84 runs in just 68 balls, the Indian team, however, failed to manage their way to playoffs,
Here’s what Mithali wrote in her post,
"I set out as a little girl on the journey to wear the India blues as representing your country is the highest honour. The journey was full of highs and some lows. Each event taught me something unique and the last 23 years have been the most fulfilling, challenging and enjoyable years of my life.
"Like all journeys, this one too must come to an end.
"Today is the day I retire from all forms of international Cricket. Each time I stepped on the field, I gave my very best with the intent to help India win. I will always cherish the opportunity given to me to represent the tricolour.
"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.
I'd like to thank the BCCI and Shri Jay Shah Sir (Honorary Secrertary, BCCI) for all the support I have received - first as a player and then as the Captain of the Indian Women's Cricket Team.
"It was an honour to have led the team for so many years. It definitely shaped me as a person and hopefully helped shape Indian Women's Cricket as well," Mithali wrote in her letter.
Mithali Raj finished her international career with 7 ODI hundreds and 1 Test hundred. In Tests, she scored 4 half-centuries while she hit 64 half-centuries in ODIs and 17 in T20Is.
