Photo: Punam Raut(Getty)
Poonam Raut Retires from International Cricket, Bringing an End to a Career Spanning Over 12 Years
Experienced Indian women’s cricket team batter Poonam Raut announced her retirement from all formats of international cricket on Thursday (October 15). This marks the conclusion of a stellar career spanning more than a decade for the right-handed batter, who made her international debut in 2009. Poonam played her final match for India in 2021.
Career Statistics and Records
Throughout her international career, Poonam Raut made significant contributions to India across all three formats:
- ODI: 2,299 runs in 73 matches (3 centuries and 15 half-centuries)
- T20I: 719 runs in 35 matches (4 half-centuries)
- Test: 264 runs in 4 matches (1 century)
Poonam scored a total of 4 international centuries during her career—3 in ODIs and one in a Test match against South Africa in 2014.
Memorable Innings and Sportsmanship
- 2017 Women’s World Cup: Poonam played a pivotal role in helping India reach the final of the 2017 World Cup. She scored 381 runs in this tournament, including a gritty 86-run innings in the final against England at Lord’s.
- World-record partnership: During the 2017 World Cup, she scored 109 runs against Ireland and, alongside Deepti Sharma, forged a historic 320-run partnership for the first wicket.
- An example of sportsmanship: During the historic 'pink-ball' (day-night) Test against Australia in 2021, even though the umpire had declared her 'not out,' she chose to leave the crease and head toward the pavilion after the ball had clearly brushed her bat. This display of sportsmanship earned her widespread praise.
Poonam Raut’s emotional message upon retirement
Announcing her retirement on Instagram, Poonam Raut wrote:
"The journey from the streets of Mumbai to wearing the Indian jersey has been nothing short of a blessing. It has been a path filled with sacrifices, struggles, unforgettable victories, tough lessons, and moments that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Representing India was not just the fulfillment of a dream; it was a privilege that I carried with immense pride."
Speaking about her future plans, she added:
"While the player within me may be stepping away, my love for this game will never fade. My next innings will be about giving back to the sport that has given me everything."
