Former India women’s team captain Mithali Raj on Wednesday announced her retirement from international cricket. Raj, who played 12 Tests, 232 ODIs and 89 T20Is, amassed more than 10,000 runs in international cricket. She released a statement on social media on Wednesday, saying: “Thank you for all your love & support over the years! I look forward to my 2nd innings with your blessing and support.” As Mithali brought an end to her illustrious 23-year-old international cricket, Twitter was flooded with congratulatory messages for the 39-year-old.
“A wonderful career comes to an end! Thank you @M_Raj03 for your immense contribution to Indian cricket. Your leadership on the field has brought much glory to the National women’s team. Congratulations for an illustrious innings on the field and best wishes for your next innings!” BCCI Honorary Secretary Jay Shah tweeted.
“Your contribution to Indian Cricket has been phenomenal. Congratulations @M_Raj03 on an amazing career. You leave behind a rich legacy. We wish you all the very best for your second innings,” the BCCI wrote on Twitter.
“One of the cricket’s legends calls time on an illustrious international career,” the ICC said in a statement.
Promoted
“Towards the end of her career, Mithali had been in form longer than some of her teammates had been alive. That’s how long she served Indian cricket. Congratulations and thank you @M_Raj03. Good luck for your second innings,” former India batter Wasim Jaffer tweeted.
Here’s how the world reacted:
Your contribution to Indian Cricket has been phenomenal. Congratulations @M_Raj03 on an amazing career. You leave behind a rich legacy.
We wish you all the very best for your second innings pic.twitter.com/0R66EcM0gT
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 8, 2022
A wonderful career comes to an end! Thank you @M_Raj03 for your immense contribution to Indian cricket. Your leadership on the field has brought much glory to the National women’s team. Congratulations for an illustrious innings on the field and best wishes for your next innings!
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) June 8, 2022
One of the cricket’s legends calls time on an illustrious international career.
— ICC (@ICC) June 8, 2022
A legend who rewrote the story of Indian women’s cricket with an incredible, record-laden career. Farewell, @M_Raj03. Thank you for all the memories. https://t.co/6SMVDTwKeu
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) June 8, 2022
Towards the end of her career, Mithali had been in form longer than some of her teammates had been alive 🙂 That’s how long she served Indian cricket. Congratulations and thank you @M_Raj03. Good luck for your second innings pic.twitter.com/dQYTP8fMxd
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 8, 2022
To play for India is a dream a very few fulfill and to be able represent the nation for 23 years is just amazing.
You have been a pillar to Women’s Cricket in India and have shaped the lives of many young girls.
Many congratulations on a phenomenal career @M_Raj03. https://t.co/jVHmMTW2YP— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) June 8, 2022
You’ve been a wonderful ambassador for the sport, @M_Raj03. Good luck for your future endeavours #CricketTwitter https://t.co/TU7BAdhzWq
— | Dodda Ganesh (@doddaganesha) June 8, 2022
A true G.O.A.T
Thank you for all the memories, @M_Raj03 https://t.co/s8P2HZlWMl
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) June 8, 2022
Even though you know this day is coming, you can’t help but feel a little sad . An amazing player that put cricket on the map especially in Loved playing against you & enjoyed watching you adapt your game to keep up with all these youngsters. Enjoy the next phase Mithali xx https://t.co/QIK9nE1Vdo
— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) June 8, 2022
What an incredible career, @M_Raj03! Thank you for your contributions to cricket and for inspiring an entire generation of youngsters to take up this sport. Wish you a great second innings post retirement! #ItsHerGameToo #PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #ನಮ್ಮRCB
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) June 8, 2022
Most runs. 23 long years. The Greatest of All Time.
Thank you for everything, Mithali Raj. pic.twitter.com/NMG2YMCiY3
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) June 8, 2022
It was an honour to watch you play & lead #TeamIndia, legend!
Happy retirement, Mithali Raj! #OneFamily @ICC @M_Raj03 pic.twitter.com/rJJxPwapX1
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) June 8, 2022
Hey @Twitter, forget the EDIT button… let’s retire the hashtag #Mithali for @M_Raj03‘s contribution to women’s cricket. #ThankYouMithali https://t.co/IBDnANVm5R
— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) June 8, 2022
Happy retirement, @M_Raj03
…And it’s curtains on a glittering 23-year career that made Indian Cricket lovers celebrate so many historic milestones. #ThankYouMithali, you are a star #MithaliRaj #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/kCTRxsJvE8
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) June 8, 2022
Topics mentioned in this article