Punam Raut calls time on decade-long international career

Top-order batter Punam Raut has called time on her international career, which spanned over 12 years. The right-handed batter is one of the very few cricketers to have represented the Indian women's cricket team across formats. Raut, 37, made her international debut against West Indies women in a WODI on March 19, 2009.

She aggregated 2299 runs in 73 WODIs at an average of 34.83 and a strike rate of 58.26, including three hundreds and 15 fifties. Her last ODI appearance came against England in Bristol on June 27, 2021.

Raut was a part of the Indian team which bagged the runners-up medal at the 2017 ODI World Cup in England. She was India's second leading run-scorer at the marquee tournament. Raut amassed 381 runs in nine matches at an average of 42.33 and a strike rate of 67.43. She scored a memorable hundred (106) against Australia women in Bristol and two fifties during India's near-flawless World Cup campaign.

Raut extended her gratitude to former India captain Mithali Raj. She played under Raj's leadership for most of her career, representing India and Railways.

“After much thought and reflection, I have decided to retire from international cricket in all formats of the game,” Raut said in an emotional post on Instagram.

"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.

"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."

Raut played four Tests after making her debut against England women in Wormsley in August 2014. Her final red-ball appearance came against Australia in Carrara in October 2021.

She also featured in 35 WT20Is and accumulated 719 runs at an average of 27.65 and a strike rate of 92.17, including four fifties. Raut plans on giving back to the sport as she embarks on her new innings.