Poonam Raut Announces Retirement from International Cricket

Mumbai, October 15 (Daily Kiran) : Poonam Raut, the former Indian opener, announced her retirement from all formats of international cricket on Thursday, marking the end of a distinguished career spanning over a decade. The 37-year-old last represented India in 2021.

In a heartfelt statement shared on her Instagram account, Raut expressed, “After much contemplation, I have decided to retire from all formats of international cricket. Representing India has been the greatest honor of my life. Cricket has been much more than just a game for me; it has shaped my character and taught me resilience in tough times. I will cherish the memories forever. Whenever I wore the Indian jersey, I did so with immense pride and gratitude.”

Hailing from Mumbai, Raut made her One Day International (ODI) debut against the West Indies in March 2009. Throughout her ODI career, she played 73 matches, scoring 2,299 runs at an average of 34.83, which includes three centuries and 15 half-centuries. In addition, she amassed 719 runs in 35 T20 matches and contributed 264 runs in four Test matches. Notably, Raut was part of the Indian team that finished as runners-up in the 2017 ODI World Cup held in England. She participated in three ODI World Cups and four T20 World Cups during her career.

Reflecting on her journey, Raut stated, “The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2017 will always remain one of the most significant moments of my career. Although we fell short of winning the trophy, that tournament transformed the landscape of women’s cricket in India. It inspired an entire generation of young girls and changed the future of our sport. I will always be proud to have been part of that historic team. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for giving me the opportunity to represent my country at the highest level. Wearing the Indian jersey was a dream come true, and I will always be grateful for the trust and support I received.”

Raut also thanked the Mumbai Cricket Association for believing in her during her early days, stating that the opportunities and guidance she received laid the foundation for her cricketing journey. She expressed deep appreciation for Indian Railways, which she regards as her second family, for their unwavering support throughout her career. “They shaped me into a disciplined and strong cricketer, and I will always be thankful for their support,” she added.

She paid special tribute to former captain Mithali Raj, under whose leadership she played for both India and Railways. “Thank you, Mithali Raj. It was a privilege to play for both India and Railways under your captaincy. Your leadership and dedication to the game have always inspired me. I also want to thank all my coaches for their faith during every phase of my career. To all my teammates with whom I shared the dressing room—thank you for the friendship, laughter, challenges, and unforgettable memories. It has been a privilege to embark on this journey with such wonderful people.”

As she concludes this chapter, Raut expressed her desire to remain involved in cricket, especially after completing her coaching certification. “As I close this chapter, my heart is filled with gratitude. Cricket has given me lifelong friends, invaluable lessons, and memories I will always hold dear. Thank you to every fan who supported me through every success and challenge. Your love and encouragement cannot be expressed in words. While my journey as an international cricketer ends here, my passion for the game will never fade. I wish to give back to cricket in the future and contribute to its growth. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey. Thank you, cricket. Jai Hind.”