Some fans call her ‘the Sachin Tendulkar of women’s cricket,’ but Mithali Raj is a stalwart in her own right. According to The Economic Times, she is India’s top-scorer in the T20 format with 2364 runs from 89 matches at an average of 37.5 and a highest score of 97 not out. The 36-year-old star player is the ODI skipper and has also captained the Indian team at three T20 World Cups – 2012, 2014 and 2016. Under her leadership, the team also qualified for the ICC World Cup finals in 2017.
Yesterday, however, Mithali announced her decision to retire from the 20-over format to focus her energies on the 50-over World Cup.
Hindustan Times quoted her saying,
“After representing India in T20 internationals since 2006, I wish to retire from T20Is to focus my energies on readying myself for the 2021 One Day World Cup. It remains my dream to win a World Cup for my country and I want to give it my best. I thank the BCCI for their continuous support and wish the Indian T20 team good luck as they prepare for the home series against South Africa Women.”
Here is how cricket fans across the nation reacted to the news of her retirement.
Congratulations on a great T20 international career @M_Raj03! You are an inspiration for tons of girls out there 🇮🇳🙏 #MithaliRaj
— cheteshwar pujara (@cheteshwar1) September 3, 2019
#MithaliRaj first Indian woman to reach the landmark of 2000 runs in T20. She Announced her retirement from T20 internationals.Thanks for all the amazing memories. pic.twitter.com/OuArTymQns
— Peehu (@Peehu31029605) September 3, 2019
#MithaliRaj such an inspiration for girls who wants join and playing cricket.She's a brand who changed the perspective of Indian people ,yes women can play cricket and can make country proud .
Thank you Mithali and wish you wonderful retirement life. @M_Raj03 #MithaliRajRetires— Magneto (@RahulGa35742224) September 3, 2019
Congratulations Mithali! Well played! Your contribution to Indian cricket has been immense and will continue to remain; even as you quit the T20 format. @M_Raj03 @BCCI
— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) September 3, 2019
One of the finest talents in Indian cricket !! The only person who makes me to watch cricket after Sachin tendulkar got retired from T20 format today #MithaliRajRetires !! Hope India will try to give her 2021 world cup as gift of send off
— Marxist raghava (@raghavendraada1) September 3, 2019
Role model✌️✌️
Truely inspirational journey
Retiring from T20 format#MithaliRajRetires #MitaliRaj pic.twitter.com/xg3hJ4lN1x— sandeep sunny7# (@sandeepsunny47) September 4, 2019
@M_Raj03 thank you for your immense contribution to Indian Women’s cricket, specially the T20 format. Wish you continued success in the other forms where you intend to continue playing. @isaguha #MithaliRajRetires @BCCI
— AB (@maverick_ology) September 4, 2019
First Indian woman to score 2000+ runs in T20Is, Mithali Raj says goodbye to T20 cricket to focus on World Cup 2021.
Thank you former Indian Captain for leading the women's team so well. Wish you all the best for WC 2021. 🙌👏🙏🇮🇳 #MithaliRaj. pic.twitter.com/rruWZ8JX0N
— Sir Jadeja fan (@SirJadeja) September 3, 2019
Well played to the great @M_Raj03 as she retires from T20 internationals. One of the pioneers. Looking forward to one final charge at the World Cup in 2021.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 3, 2019
The flag bearer of women’s cricket for almost two decades in India, #MithaliRaj has just announced her retirement from T20I cricket. First Indian woman to reach the landmark of 2000 runs in T20. Thanks for all the amazing memories #MithaliRajRetires #ThankYouMithaliRaj pic.twitter.com/YSg6qiGfV2
— Sathish Ganesh (@sathish_ganesh) September 3, 2019
Thank you for all the wonderful memories and for being a continuous source of inspiration for young girls who want to pursue cricket as their career. We wish you all the very best for the upcoming ODI World Cup. Hope to see you with the trophy!