Mithali Raj retires: 'Pillar for Women's Cricket' - Laxman, Kumble lead cricket fraternity in tributes for India legend

Mithali Raj announced her retirement from international cricket on Wednesday.

One of the best women's batters in history, Mithali Raj announced her retirement from international cricket on Wednesday. Mithali drew curtains on a 23-year-long international career as the highest run-getter in ODIs (7805 in 232 innings at an average of 50.68). In Tests, Mithali represented India in 12 matches, scoring 699 runs. She also scored a double-century in the longest format of the game.

Mithali Raj (Action Images via Reuters)

"Like all journey, this one too must come to and end," the 39-year-old said in a statement on social media.

"Today is the day I retire from all forms of international cricket."

Raj made her India debut as a 16-year-old in a 1999 one-dayer against Ireland and scored 68 against South Africa in a Women's World Cup match in Christchurch in March in what proved to be her last international outing.

Her tally of 7805 runs, which include seven hundreds, from 232 matches makes her the leading scorer in women's ODIs.

"... the last 23 years have been the most fulfilling, challenging & enjoyable years of my life," said Raj, who led India to the World Cup finals in 2005 and 2017.

"I feel now is the perfect time to call curtains on my playing career as the team is in the capable hands of some very talented young players and the future of Indian cricket is bright."

As Mithali announced her decision to retire from the game, the cricket fraternity paid tribute to the former Indian captain. Former cricketers VVS Laxman, Suresh Raina, and Wasim Jaffer, as well as former Indian men's head coach Anil Kumble paid their tributes to Raj.

Mithali Raj was honored with the Khel Ratna Award -- India's highest sporting honour -- in 2021. She has aso been honored with Padma Shri (2015) and Arjuna Award (2003).