Punam Raut Bids Farewell to International Cricket After 17 Years Representing India
Punam Raut retires from international cricket after 17 years, leaving behind over 3,000 runs and memorable performances for India.
Veteran Indian batter Punam Raut announced her retirement from international cricket on October 15, bringing an end to a career that began with her international debut in 2009. The 37-year-old scored more than 3,000 runs for India across Tests, ODIs and T20Is.
Raut played four Tests, 73 ODIs and 35 T20Is for India. Her career included one Test century, three ODI centuries, 15 ODI half-centuries and four T20I half-centuries.
Her finest moments came during the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup in England, where India reached the final against the hosts. Raut scored 381 runs in the tournament, including a knock of 86 in the final at Lord’s, although India lost the match by nine runs.
Another major moment in her career came when she scored 109 runs against Ireland and shared a record 320-run opening partnership with Deepti Sharma.
Raut also earned praise for her sportsmanship during India’s historic pink-ball Test against Australia in 2021. At Carrara, she walked off the field after edging a delivery, even though the umpire had given her not out. The incident was widely appreciated as an example of honesty and fair play.
Her final international appearance came in a Test match against Australia Women in 2021. Although she did not play for India again after that match, her retirement announcement has now officially closed her international career.
Reflecting on her journey, Raut said, “Representing India was never just a dream fulfilled; it was a privilege I carried with immense pride. As I close this chapter of my international cricket career, my heart is filled with gratitude for everyone who believed in me, stood by me, and became a part of my journey.”
Raut also made it clear that her retirement from international cricket does not mean she is leaving the sport altogether. She hopes to give back to cricket and contribute to the game that shaped her life.
Her career will be remembered for her steady batting, important contributions during India’s 2017 World Cup campaign and the sportsmanship she displayed on the field.
