Former India batter Punam Raut retires from all formats of international cricket with immediate effect after representing the country for 12 years.
Indian top-order batter Punam Raut has announced her retirement from all forms of international cricket with immediate effect. Raut, who turned 37 on Wednesday, represented India in four Tests, 73 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 35 T20 Internationals (T20Is) between 2009 and 2021.
Announcing her decision in a post on Instagram, Raut said that representing India had been the greatest honour of her life. She added that cricket had shaped her character, taught her resilience and given her memories that she would cherish forever.
“Every time I wore the India jersey, I did so with immense pride and gratitude,” she wrote, expressing appreciation for the trust and support she received throughout her international career.
A Remarkable ODI Career
Raut was most successful in the ODI format, scoring 2,299 runs at an average of 34.83. Her tally included three centuries and 15 half-centuries, establishing her as a dependable batter in India's top order.
She featured in three ICC Women's ODI World Cups—in 2009, 2013 and 2017. The 2017 edition was particularly memorable, as she scored a century against Australia during the league stage before finishing as India's highest scorer in the final against England with 86 runs.
Reflecting on the tournament, Raut described the 2017 Women's Cricket World Cup as one of the defining moments of her career. Although India narrowly missed out on the title, she said the tournament transformed women's cricket in the country, inspired a generation of young girls and helped shape the future of the game.
Record-Breaking Partnership with Deepti Sharma
One of the biggest highlights of Raut's career was her involvement in a record-breaking opening partnership with Deepti Sharma against Ireland in Potchefstroom in 2017.
The pair put together 320 runs, setting a world record for the highest opening partnership in women's ODIs at the time. Raut retired hurt after scoring 109 off 116 balls, while Deepti went on to score a magnificent 188 off 160 deliveries.
The partnership remains one of the most memorable achievements in Indian women's cricket.
Test and T20I Contributions
Raut also made valuable contributions in the longest format of the game. Although she began her Test career with a duck, she bounced back strongly by scoring 130 against South Africa in Mysore in 2014, registering her maiden Test century in only her third appearance.
In T20Is, she accumulated 719 runs at an average of 27.65 and a strike rate of 92.17, including four half-centuries. She participated in four Women's T20 World Cups—in 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2014.
Among her notable performances in the shortest format were an unbeaten match-winning 54 against Pakistan in 2009 and a 56 off 52 balls against the West Indies in 2014.
Gratitude to Mumbai Cricket Association
While announcing her retirement, Raut also acknowledged the role played by the Mumbai Cricket Association in developing her career during her formative years.
She thanked the association for believing in her and providing the opportunities and guidance that laid the foundation for her cricketing journey.
Raut's final international appearance came in a drawn Test against Australia in Carrara in 2021. She scored 36 in the first innings and remained unbeaten on 41 in the second.
With her retirement, Indian women's cricket bids farewell to a batter whose contributions included crucial World Cup performances, a memorable Test century and a record-setting ODI partnership. Her performances, particularly during India's 2017 World Cup campaign, will remain an important part of her international legacy.