Punam Raut Bids Farewell to International Cricket After a Decade-Long Career
Punam Raut Announces Retirement from International Cricket
On October 16, Indian cricketer Punam Raut officially announced her retirement from international cricket, concluding a remarkable career that spanned over ten years.
From 2009 to 2021, Raut proudly represented India in four Test matches, 73 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 35 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
In a heartfelt message shared on her Instagram, she reflected on her journey, describing it as one filled with sacrifices, challenges, unforgettable victories, and invaluable lessons.
She expressed, "One last time, for the little girl who dared to dream. From the streets of Mumbai to donning the Indian jersey, this journey has been a true blessing. It has been filled with sacrifices, struggles, unforgettable victories, tough lessons, and moments I will cherish forever."
At 37, Raut emphasized that representing India was not just a dream come true but a "privilege I carried with immense pride." She acknowledged how cricket provided her with "more than just a career"—it gave her a sense of purpose, identity, and a family.
As she closes this chapter of her international cricket journey, Raut expressed deep gratitude to everyone who supported her along the way. "Cricket has given me more than a career; it has given me a purpose, an identity, and a family. While the player in me may step aside, my love for this game will never fade. My next innings will focus on giving back to the sport that has given me everything. Thank you, India," she concluded her message.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Throughout her ODI career, Punam amassed 2,299 runs at an average of 34.83, including three centuries and 15 half-centuries, with a top score of 109 not out. In her Test career, she scored 264 runs in seven innings, averaging 44.00, which featured a century with a personal best of 130.
In T20Is, she accumulated 719 runs across 31 innings, averaging 27.65, with four fifties and a highest score of 75.
Raut was particularly notable during the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup, where she scored 381 runs in nine innings at an average of 42.33, including a century and two fifties, with a best score of 106. She finished as the fifth-highest run-scorer of the tournament, playing a crucial role in India's journey to the finals against England.
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