 "Mithali Raj announces retirement from international cricket")
Mithali Raj, veteran in the Indian women’s cricket team, has called time on her international career. Raj made the announcement via a message on her Twitter handle. Raj began her India career in 1999 as a 16-year-old and went on to lead the side to two World Cup finals. She represented India in 12 Tests, 232 ODIs and 89 T20Is.
“Today is the day I retire from all forms of International Cricket. Each time I stepped on the field, I gave my very best with the intent to help India win. I will always cherish the opportunity given to me to represent the tricolour. I feel now is the perfect time to call curtains on my playing career as the team is in the capable hands of some very talented young players and the future of Indian Cricket is bright,” wrote Raj. Raj got her international career off to a flying start with a century and concludes with the tag of being the highest run-scorer as she finishes with a tally of 7805 runs with seven hundreds and 64 fifties in all. Also Read: Mithali Raj’s complete statement on her retirement Fittingly, Mithali’s last half century came in her final outing for India. She scored 68 runs against South Africa in the ICC Women’s World Cup in March when India were knocked out in a virtual quarter-final. “I set out as a little girl on the journey to wear the India blues as representing your country is the highest honour. The journey was full of highs and some lows. Each event taught me something unique and the last 23 years have been the most fulfilling, challenging & enjoyable years of my life. Like all journeys, this one too must come to an end.” Also Read: How Twitter reacted to Mithali Raj’s retirement announcement “This journey may have ended but another one beckons as I’d love to stay involved in the game I love and contribute to the growth of Women’s Cricket in India and world over. Special mention to all my fans, thank you for all your love & support,” she added. In Women’s Tests, Raj is India’s only double centurion, with her 214 run knock against England in 2002 also the second-highest individual score in the format. Read all the Latest News ****, Trending News ****, Cricket News ****, Bollywood News ****, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook ****, Twitter and Instagram ****.