India’s top-order batter, Punam Raut, has announced her retirement from international cricket across all formats. Raut, who celebrated her 37th birthday earlier this week, played a significant role in the Indian women’s team from 2009 until 2021, featuring in four Tests, 73 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 35 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
Raut shared her decision via Instagram, stating, “After much thought and reflection, I have decided to retire from international cricket in all formats of the game. Representing India has been the greatest honour of my life. Cricket has been more than just a sport – it has shaped my character, taught me resilience, and given me memories that I will cherish forever. Every time I wore the India jersey, I did so with immense pride and gratitude. Wearing the India jersey was a dream that became a reality, and I will always be grateful for the trust and support I received.”
Raut’s career is perhaps most remarkable in ODIs where she amassed 2299 runs, including three centuries and 15 half-centuries, maintaining an average of 34.83. She played in three ODI World Cups in 2009, 2013, and 2017. The 2017 World Cup, in particular, stands out, where she scored an impressive century against Australia during the league stage. She followed it up by being India’s top scorer with 86 runs in the final against England.
Reflecting on the World Cup, she remarked, “The 2017 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup will always remain one of the defining moments of my career. Although we fell just short of the trophy, that tournament transformed women’s cricket in India, inspired a generation of young girls, and changed the future of our game.”
Among her many accolades, Raut was part of a record-breaking 320-run opening partnership with Deepti Sharma against Ireland in 2017. In that innings, Raut retired hurt with a score of 109 runs from 116 balls. Meanwhile, Sharma dazzled with 188 runs off 160 balls.
Raut’s Test career began with a modest start as she got a duck in her debut match. However, she quickly bounced back, notching 130 runs in her third match against South Africa in Mysore, 2024.
Her T20I tenure saw her score 719 runs with four half-centuries, averaging 27.65 and striking at 92.17. She participated in four editions of the T20 World Cup: 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2014, making notable contributions such as a vital unbeaten 54 against Pakistan in 2009 and 56 off 52 balls against the West Indies in 2014.
Raut expressed gratitude towards her domestic roots, saying, “My sincere thanks to the Mumbai Cricket Association for believing in me during my formative years. The opportunities and guidance I received there laid the foundation of my cricketing journey.”
Raut’s international journey concluded with a drawn Test match against Australia in Carrara in 2021, where she scored 36 and 41 not out.
