Punam Raut announces retirement from international cricket
Punam Raut announced her retirement from international cricket in a lengthy Instagram post on Thursday, October 15. She said the decision ends an international career in which she represented India for more than 12 years.
Raut made her international debut in 2009 and her final appearance in Indian colours came against England in June 2021. Across formats she scored 3,282 runs. That total comprised 2,299 runs in 73 ODIs, 719 runs in 35 T20Is and 264 runs in four Test matches. Her record included four centuries—three in ODIs and one in Tests—alongside 15 ODI half-centuries and four fifties in T20Is.
In the Instagram post Raut recalled her journey and thanked everyone who were part of her career, writing: "One last time, for the little girl who dared to dream." She added: "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." "Cricket gave me more than a career. It gave me a purpose, an identity, and a family," said Punam.
A defining phase of Raut's international career came at the 2017 Women's World Cup, where she finished the tournament with 381 runs. During that campaign she recorded a century against Ireland and, with Deepti Sharma, put together a 320-run opening partnership that remains a record. In the final at Lord's Raut scored 86, but India were beaten by England by nine runs.
Raut's later international years included India's pink-ball Test against Australia in 2021, where she made 36 in the first innings. In that match she walked off the field despite being given not out after edging a delivery. The action drew widespread appreciation for her sportsmanship.
On her plans after retirement Raut said she intends to remain involved in the sport and to give back. "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.
