Punam Raut Announces Retirement from International Cricket
Punam Raut Bids Farewell to International Cricket
Punam Raut, a seasoned top-order batter for the Indian women's cricket team, has declared her retirement from all international formats effective immediately.
The 37-year-old cricketer has represented India in four Tests, 73 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 35 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) from 2009 to 2021.
In a heartfelt message shared on her Instagram account, Raut stated, “After considerable contemplation, I have chosen to retire from international cricket across all formats.”
She expressed, “Playing for India has been the pinnacle of my life. Cricket has transcended mere sport for me; it has molded my character, instilled resilience, and provided me with unforgettable memories. Each time I donned the India jersey, I felt immense pride and gratitude.”
Raut reflected on her journey, saying, “Wearing the India jersey was a dream fulfilled, and I will forever be thankful for the trust and support I received.”
She also acknowledged her domestic team for their role in her development. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Mumbai Cricket Association for their belief in me during my early years. The opportunities and mentorship I received there were crucial to my cricketing path,” Raut noted.
Throughout her Test career, Raut accumulated 264 runs at an average of 44, including one century. She made her Test debut against England at Wormsley in August 2014, with her last appearance occurring in September 2021 against Australia at Carrara.
Her highest Test score of 130 came against South Africa Women in Mysore in November 2014, achieved off 355 balls and featuring 18 boundaries.
In ODIs, Raut scored 2,299 runs, including three centuries and 15 half-centuries, averaging 34.83. In T20Is, she amassed 719 runs at a strike rate of 92.17, with four half-centuries to her name.
Raut and Deepti Sharma set a record for the highest opening partnership in women's ODIs, scoring 320 runs against Ireland during the Women’s Quadrangular Series in South Africa in May 2017. Raut retired hurt after scoring 109 runs off 116 balls, hitting 11 fours.
As a member of the Indian squad in the 2017 Women’s ODI World Cup, where India narrowly lost to England by nine runs in the final, Raut described the tournament as “one of the defining moments of her career.”
In her final Test match in 2021, Raut made headlines by walking off the field despite being given not out by the on-field umpire after edging the ball behind in a pink ball Test against Australia at Carrara.
Reflecting on the 2017 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, Raut stated, “That tournament will always be a pivotal moment in my career. Although we fell just short of winning, it revolutionized women’s cricket in India, inspired a new generation of girls, and altered the trajectory of our sport.”