Former Indian women’s cricket team captain Mithali Raj has called it a day in her international career. Raj, who made her debut for the Indian women’s cricket team back in 1999, ended her 23-year journey with a special tweet on social media. She represented the Indian women’s cricket team in all three formats of the sport.
Speaking about her record in international cricket, Mithali scored 699 runs in 12 Test matches at an average of 43.68. She aggregated 7,805 runs in 232 ODI matches, smashing seven centuries and 64 fifties. Her batting average in the 50-over format was 50.68, while her highest score was 125*.
Shedding some light on her numbers in T20 internationals, Mithali scored 2,364 runs in 84 innings. Her best score was 94*, with her batting average being close to 38. She registered 17 half-centuries in the shortest format of the game.
While Raj majorly played as a specialist batter, she also bowled leg-break in a few matches. In the 10 ODI innings where she rolled her arm, she scalped eight wickets at an economy rate of 3.19. Fans should note that her best bowling figures were 3/4.
Revealing the reason behind her retirement today, Mithali Raj wrote on Twitter:
“Thank you for all your love & support over the years! I look forward to my 2nd innings with your blessing and support. 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.”
Thank you for all your love & support over the years!
I look forward to my 2nd innings with your blessing and support. pic.twitter.com/OkPUICcU4u— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) June 8, 2022
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Fans on Twitter react as Mithali Raj says goodbye to international cricket
Mithali Raj is reckoned by many as one of the legends of international cricket without any gender division. She dominated the best bowling attacks in women’s cricket history and set world records.
Fans on Twitter became emotional after seeing her say goodbye the way she did. Here are some of the top Twitter reactions:
Thanks for all the contributions to Indian Cricket, Mithali…!!! pic.twitter.com/DEh1NYvlux
Advertisement— Priyanshu Bhattacharya 🏏 (@im_Priyanshu_B7) June 8, 2022
Congratulations @M_Raj03 on a glorious career. You are a role model and an inspiration to many. Wishing you the very best in your second innings 👏👏
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) June 8, 2022
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NOoooo you deserve farewell match
Advertisement— दीपेंद्र सिंह 🇮🇳 (@i_amdeependra) June 8, 2022
Legend!!! All the Best and Thank you for making india proud!
— Armageddon (@Armageddon5696) June 8, 2022
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World cricket apko hamesha yaad rakhega mam.
Advertisement— Kaushal Ambaliya 🇮🇳 (@IamKushAmbaliya) June 8, 2022
You were the First Name I knew when I heard about Womens Cricket.
Thank you Mithali Ma'am for your service for Indian Cricket. Your longevity will be unparalleled!!— Hariharan Durairaj 🦁🐿️ (@hariharan_draj) June 8, 2022
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Happy retirement legend ❤️👏👏
But you deserve a farewell matchAdvertisement— LAXMAN SINGH RATHORE (@laxman_vk18) June 8, 2022
https://twitter.com/munafpa99881129/status/1534462467069267968?s=20&t=CfotSkK8X1GlE4qs1Luu0A
We are Proud of you.. ❤️🇮🇳
You gave name to Indian women cricket..Your presence on the field shall be missed..Best wishes on your second innings 🌸❤️#ThankYouMithaliRaj https://t.co/xkBzhVJDj4Advertisement— मालविका 🦋 (@ThatFakeDpWali) June 8, 2022
Always used to think how would it feel if Sachin retires without a world cup. Today I know how it feels. Happy Retirement @M_Raj03
Thank you for 23 years. https://t.co/H66Xv4PJBd
Advertisement— Aniket Mishra (@agaltet) June 8, 2022
"Shabaash Mithu!!!" What an innings!! #MithaliRajRetires #Legend https://t.co/JhRi8G2N2u
— Srijit Mukherji (@srijitspeaketh) June 8, 2022
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