India batter Punam Raut announced her retirement from international cricket on Thursday (October 15), bringing an end to a career that began in 2009 and included several memorable performances in the Indian jersey. The right-handed batter last represented India in 2021, leaving behind a record of consistent contributions across all three formats.
Raut finished her international career with 2,299 runs in 73 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), 719 runs in 35 T20 Internationals and 264 runs in four Test matches. She scored four international centuries, including three in ODIs and one in the longest format against South Africa in 2014. Her record also includes 15 ODI half-centuries and four fifties in T20Is.
Her final appearance for India came in an ODI against England in June 2021. Although she had not featured internationally since then, her contributions during some of India’s most significant campaigns ensured her place in the team’s recent history.
A Memorable 2017 Women’s World Cup Campaign
One of the defining periods of Raut’s career came during India’s run to the final of the 2017 Women’s World Cup in England. She scored 381 runs in the tournament, playing a crucial role in the team’s progress to the title clash against the hosts.
In the final at Lord’s, Raut scored a determined 86 as India narrowly missed out on the trophy, losing to England by nine runs. Her innings remained one of the standout performances of the campaign, even as the Indian team fell agonisingly short of winning its maiden Women’s World Cup title.
Raut also produced a remarkable century against Ireland during the tournament. She scored 109 and shared a record-breaking opening partnership of 320 runs with Deepti Sharma, highlighting her ability to build substantial innings and provide India with strong starts.
Those performances established her as an important member of the Indian batting line-up during a period when women’s cricket in the country was gaining greater attention and recognition.
An Unforgettable Moment in Test Cricket
Raut also featured in India’s historic pink-ball Test against Australia in 2021. She scored 36 in the first innings of the match, which formed part of India’s landmark tour of Australia.
However, it was an act of sportsmanship during the game that drew particular appreciation. Raut walked back to the pavilion after edging a delivery despite being given not out by the umpire. Her decision was widely praised as an example of honesty and respect for the spirit of cricket.
The incident added another memorable chapter to a career defined not only by runs but also by her conduct on the field.
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Raut Reflects on Her Journey
In her retirement announcement on Instagram, Raut looked back on her journey from Mumbai to representing India at the international level. She described the experience as a blessing, shaped by sacrifices, struggles, victories and lessons that she would cherish throughout her life.
She also expressed gratitude to everyone who supported her career, emphasising that wearing the Indian jersey had been more than the fulfilment of a childhood dream. For Raut, representing the country was a privilege she carried with immense pride.
Reflecting on what cricket had given her, she explained that the sport had provided her with purpose, identity and a family beyond simply offering a professional career.
A New Innings Beyond International Cricket
While Raut’s international career has come to an end, she made it clear that her connection with the game will continue. She expressed a desire to give back to cricket, suggesting that her next phase could involve contributing to the sport that shaped her life.
Her retirement marks the conclusion of a career featuring important milestones, memorable centuries and a significant contribution to India’s 2017 Women’s World Cup campaign.
Although she last played for India in 2021, Punam Raut’s performances and sportsmanship remain notable parts of her international journey. As she begins a new chapter, her focus now shifts from representing the country on the field to finding ways to give back to the game.