India women's team batter Punam Raut announces international cricket retirement

Punam Raut has retired from international cricket after representing India for over 12 years. The Mumbai batter now intends to give back to the game that shaped her life.Punam Raut aims to give back to cricket after retirement (Courtesy: Reuters)Punam Raut has called time on her international cricket career, announcing her retirement on Thursday, October 15, after representing India for more than 12 years. The right-handed batter made her international debut in 2009, with her last appearance in national colours coming against England in June 2021.Raut leaves behind a record of 3,282 runs across formats. She accumulated 2,299 runs in 73 ODIs and 719 runs in 35 T20Is, while adding another 264 runs in four Test matches. Her international career included four centuries, comprising three in ODIs and one in Tests, alongside 15 ODI half-centuries and four fifties in T20Is.In a lengthy post on Instagram, Punam recalled her journey and said representing India was privilege that she carried with immense pride.The batter also thanked everyone who were part of her journey and said that cricket gave her a purpose, identity and a family. "One last time, for the little girl who dared to dream.""From the streets of Mumbai to wearing the Indian jersey, this journey has been nothing short of a blessing. A journey filled with sacrifices, struggles, unforgettable victories, tough lessons, and moments I will cherish for a lifetime." "Representing India was never just a dream fulfilled; it was a privilege I carried with immense pride.""As I close this chapter of my international cricket career, my heart is filled with gratitude for everyone who believed in me, stood by me, and became a part of my journey.""Cricket gave me more than a career. It gave me a purpose, an identity, and a family," said Punam.Speaking about her next step, Punam said that she will be aiming to give back to the game."The player in me may step aside, but the love for this game will never retire. My next innings is about giving back to the game that gave me everything," said Punam.One of the defining phases of Raut's career came during India's memorable campaign at the 2017 Women's World Cup. She finished the tournament with 381 runs and played a crucial role in the team's journey to the final against England at Lord's.Raut scored a fighting 86 in the title clash, but India fell agonisingly short, losing by nine runs. Earlier in the tournament, she had registered a century against Ireland, combining with Deepti Sharma for a 320-run opening partnership that remains a record.Her final years in international cricket also featured a significant moment during India's historic pink-ball Test against Australia in 2021. Raut scored 36 in the first innings and earned widespread appreciation for her sportsmanship after walking off the field despite being given not out, having edged a delivery.- Ends