Poonam Raut Announces Retirement from International Cricket

Poonam Raut, a veteran of the Indian women's cricket team, has announced her retirement from international cricket after a remarkable career spanning over a decade. Known for her technique and resilience, Raut made her debut in 2009 and has since contributed significantly to the team, including a standout performance in the 2017 Women's Cricket World Cup. In her emotional farewell, she expressed gratitude to her supporters and reflected on her journey filled with challenges and triumphs. As she steps away from the international stage, the cricket community eagerly anticipates her next steps in the sport.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 16, 2026, 12:19 IST

Poonam Raut Bids Farewell to International Cricket

In a significant development for Indian cricket fans, seasoned player Poonam Raut has declared her retirement from international cricket. On October 15, 2026, she shared an emotional message on social media, marking the end of her international career. This decision concludes the journey of a player who represented India for over a decade.

A Journey of Dedication and Achievement

Poonam made her international debut for the Indian team in 2009. Known for her technique and patient batting style, she carved out a unique identity within the team. However, she has not been part of the national squad since 2021, and now she has chosen to retire from all formats of international cricket.

Emotional Announcement on Social Media

In her retirement announcement, Poonam expressed that playing for the Indian team was a cherished part of her life. She described her cricketing journey as filled with struggles, sacrifices, memorable victories, and invaluable lessons. Wearing the Indian jersey was not just a dream come true for her, but also a matter of pride and honor.

She extended her gratitude to everyone who supported her throughout her career, including coaches, teammates, and fans. Poonam noted that cricket has given her not only a career but also identity, purpose, and a sense of family. Despite stepping away from international cricket, her love for the game will remain.

International Career Began in 2009

Poonam Raut began her international career in 2009, representing India as a right-handed batswoman in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. She contributed significantly to the team over the years and participated in numerous crucial matches.

Memorable Moments in Women's Cricket World Cup

One of the highlights of her career was the 2017 Women's Cricket World Cup, where the Indian team reached the finals, and Poonam played a pivotal role. In the final against England, she scored 86 runs, although the team fell short of winning the title. Nonetheless, this innings remains one of the most memorable moments of her career.

Performance Across All Formats

Looking at her international statistics, Poonam Raut played four Tests, 73 ODIs, and 35 T20Is for India. She scored 264 runs in Test cricket, 2,299 runs in ODIs, and 719 runs in T20Is.

Her contributions to Indian women's cricket are noteworthy, with her batting technique and ability to stabilize innings being highly regarded. Although her international journey has come to an end, her legacy will be remembered in the history of Indian women's cricket.

A Chapter Closes in Indian Women's Cricket

With Poonam Raut's retirement, a significant chapter in her international career concludes. From her debut in 2009 to representing the country until 2021, her journey has been filled with ups and downs. Even though she has not been part of the national team in recent years, her performance in the 2017 World Cup earned her a special place among cricket fans.

Overall, Poonam Raut's retirement from international cricket is a notable event for Indian women's cricket. She played across all formats and made substantial contributions with thousands of runs. The cricket community will be keenly watching what direction her next chapter will take.