Mithali Raj, the Indian women's cricket legend and captain, has announced her retirement from all forms of the game. Mithali, who made her debut for India in 1999, went on to become one of the greatest players of all time, finishing her career as the leading run-scorer in all three Women's cricket formats.
Mithali ended an illustrious career by describing the last 23 years as the most challenging, fulfilling, and enjoyable. The 37-year-old last played international cricket in March of this year, when she led the Indian team to the 2022 Women's World Cup semi-finals, but the Women in Blue were defeated. Mithali scored 68 runs against South Africa, but her team was unable to cross the line in what would be her final game for the country.
Under Mithali, Indian women's cricket made huge strides on the global cricketing map, the most notable of which was reaching the final of the 2017 Women's World Cup against England at Lord's.
Mithali wrote on social media in a heartfelt letter announcing her retirement, "As a little girl, I set out on the journey to wear the India blues because representing your country is the highest honor. The journey was filled with highs and lows. Every experience taught me something new, and the last 23 years have been the most rewarding, challenging, and enjoyable of my life.
"This journey, like all others, must come to an end."
Today marks my retirement from all forms of international cricket. I gave my all every time I stepped onto the field, hoping to help India win. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to represent the tricolor "She continued.