Mumbai, October 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former India opener Punam Raut has announced her retirement from all forms of international cricket, bringing an end to a career spanning more than a decade that included India’s run to the final of the 2017 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup.
The 37-year-old, who last represented India in 2021, announced her decision in a statement shared on Instagram on Thursday, describing her time in the national team as the greatest honour of her life.
“Representing India has been the greatest honour of my life. Cricket has been more than just a sport — it has shaped my character, taught me resilience, and given me memories that I will cherish forever,” Raut wrote.
Raut made her ODI debut against the West Indies in March 2009 and went on to play 73 matches, scoring 2,299 runs at an average of 34.83, including three centuries and 15 half-centuries. She also featured in 35 T20 Internationals, scoring 719 runs, and played four Tests, accumulating 264 runs.
Her highest Test score was 130 against South Africa in 2014.
One of the defining moments of Raut’s career came at the 2017 Women’s ODI World Cup in England, where India finished runners-up. She scored 86 in the final against the hosts at Lord’s, emerging as India’s top scorer in the title clash.
Earlier that year, Raut and Deepti Sharma had also created a world record with a 320-run opening partnership against Ireland in an ODI World Cup qualifying match. Raut contributed 109 runs to the stand.
Reflecting on the 2017 campaign, she said the tournament had transformed women’s cricket in India and inspired a generation of young players, despite the team narrowly missing out on the trophy.
Raut thanked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Mumbai Cricket Association and Indian Railways for supporting her career. She also acknowledged former India captain Mithali Raj, under whom she played for both India and Railways, along with her coaches, medical staff, teammates and family.
“It was a privilege to play under your captaincy for both India and Railways,” she said of Raj, describing the former captain’s leadership and commitment as a source of inspiration.
Raut featured in three ODI World Cups and four T20 World Cups during her international career.
As she steps away from international cricket, Raut said she hopes to remain connected with the sport and contribute to its future. Having completed coaching certifications, she expressed an interest in giving back to the game that shaped her career.
“Although my journey as an international cricketer comes to an end, my love for the game will never fade. I look forward to giving back to cricket and contributing to its future,” she wrote.
FOLLOW NOW
