Mithali Raj, the veteran India batter, announced her retirement from T20 Internationals, on Tuesday (September 3). She led India in 32 T20Is including 3 ICC Women’s T20 World Cups in 2012 (Sri Lanka), 2014 (Bangladesh) and 2016 (India).
Mithali was captain when India played their first-ever women’s T20I in 2006. Since then, she went on to play 89 matches in the shortest format, scoring 2364 runs – the most by an Indian woman.
Her last T20I appearance came against England on 9th Match 2019 in Guwahati, where she scored an unbeaten 30 off 32 balls.
“After representing India in T20 internationals since 2006, I wish to retire from T20Is to focus my energies on readying myself for the 2021 One Day World Cup.
“It remains my dream to win a World Cup for my country and I want to give it my best. I thank the BCCI for their continuous support and wish the Indian T20 team good luck as they prepare for the home series against South Africa Women,” Mithali was quoted saying in a press release issued by BCCI.
Meanwhile, England women’s all-rounder Danielle Wyatt has paid tribute to ‘retiring’ Mithali Raj via Twitter.
“Happy retirement from T20s @M_Raj03. Pleasure to have played against and with you.”
Happy retirement from T20s @M_Raj03 👏🏼 Pleasure to have played against and with you ☺️👑 pic.twitter.com/oWk3RIphgy
— Danielle Wyatt (@Danni_Wyatt) September 3, 2019
