New Delhi: One of the best-known cricketers, Mithali Raj, announced her retirement from all forms of international cricket on Wednesday, having made a major contribution to the promotion of the women's game during a 23-year career.
Major finished his illustrious career with a record 7,805 innings in 232 ODIs, the most in the format.
With a total of 10,868 runs, she is also the top scorer in women's cricket in all formats.
The 39-year-old has competed in the 89 T20 Internationals and although she has played only 12 Tests in her long career, she has managed to score two centuries and remains the only cricketer from India to do so in the longest formula.
It pulled out of the T20 format in 2019 and its decision to stop running all formats was expected after India's massive ODI World Cup campaign in March. She was the team captain at the ICC Mega Event.
In a statement posted on Twitter, Mithali wrote: "As a kid, I took the journey dressed in India Blues because it is the greatest honor to represent your country. The journey has been full of ups and downs."
“Each event has taught me something unique and the past 23 years have been the most rewarding, challenging and enjoyable years of my life. Like all travels, this should also come to an end. Today is the day I retire from all forms of international travel. I am a cricketer.”
The cricketer has reached great heights through his exploits with the bat for more than two decades.
When it debuted in India in 1999, women's cricket was a neglected sport but now it has become a career choice with millions of girls aspiring to be just like her.
In addition, he wrote in his statement: “Every time I entered the field, I did my best with the aim of helping India win. I will always appreciate the opportunity to represent the three colors.”
“I believe now is the time to reveal my playing career as the team is in the hands of some very talented young players and the future of Indian cricket is bright.
“It has been an honor to lead the team for so many years. He has definitely shaped me as a person and I hope he will help shape Indian women’s cricket as well.”
Mithali has played in six ODI World Cup Finals and also holds the record for seven consecutive half-centuries.
He is the only Indian captain, male or female, to have led India to two World Cup Finals (2005 and 2017).
The team's performance in 2017 gave a huge boost to women's football.
However, they were eliminated five years later by a fairy tale that ended in New Zealand, where India was quickly eliminated from the competition after an inconsistent campaign.
Also Read - Top 10 Richest Cricketer in The World | Pitchhigh
