Indian women’s cricket team batter Punam Raut has announced her retirement from all forms of international cricket with immediate effect, bringing the curtain down on a career that spanned 12 years. Raut, who turned 37 on Wednesday, represented India in four Tests, 73 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 35 T20 Internationals between 2009 and 2021.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Raut described representing India as the greatest honour of her life and expressed gratitude for the opportunities and support she received throughout her career.
Punam Raut Record Partnership
One of the most memorable achievements of Raut’s career came in 2017, when she partnered Deepti Sharma to establish a record opening stand of 320 runs against Ireland in an ODI at Potchefstroom, South Africa. Raut scored 109 off 116 deliveries before retiring hurt, while Deepti smashed 188 off 160 balls.
The partnership remains a significant milestone in Indian women’s cricket and highlighted Raut’s ability to build substantial innings at the top of the order.
Impressive ODI Career and World Cup Performances
Raut enjoyed her greatest success in ODIs, scoring 2,299 runs at an average of 34.83. Her tally included three centuries and 15 half-centuries.
She featured in three ODI World Cups, in 2009, 2013 and 2017. During the 2017 tournament, she scored a century against Australia in the league stage and finished as India’s top scorer in the final against England with 86 runs. Although India narrowly missed out on the trophy, Raut described the campaign as a defining moment that inspired a generation of young girls.
Contributions Across All Formats
Raut also made valuable contributions in Test and T20I cricket. She scored 130 against South Africa in Mysore in 2014, recording her maiden Test century in just her third appearance. In T20Is, she accumulated 719 runs at an average of 27.65, including four half-centuries.
Her final international appearance came in a drawn Test against Australia in Carrara in 2021, where she scored 36 and remained unbeaten on 41.
Raut also thanked the Mumbai Cricket Association for providing opportunities and guidance during her formative years, acknowledging its role in shaping her cricketing journey.
