Veteran India Women’s National Cricket Team batter and former skipper Mithali Raj on Wednesday announced that she was retiring from all forms of international cricket after a 23-year-long career.

“I set out as a little girl on the journey to wear the India blues as representing your country is the highest honour. The journey was full of highs and some lows,” Mithali wrote in a statement posted on Twitter.

“Each event taught me something unique and the last 23 years have been the most fulfilling, challenging & enjoyable years of my life. Like all journeys, this one too must come to an end. Today is the day I retire from all forms of International Cricket.”

Also Read: The Magic of Mithali Raj: The great batter’s five top knocks

The cricketer from Rajasthan played 232 ODIs, 12 Tests and 89 T20I for the India Women’s National Cricket Team, scoring a total of 10868 runs, making her the leading-run getter in women’s cricket across formats. The 39-year-old retired from the T20 format in 2019. 

Also Read: Shabaash Mithu: 10 records held by India legend Mithali Raj

Following her announcement, people from the cricket fraternity took to social media to hail the legend.

“In India, the name Mithali Raj has been synonymous to women’s cricket. You have been an inspiration to millions all over the world. My best wishes to you for your future endeavours,” Dinesh Karthik tweeted.

Also Read: Mithali Raj: Legend with everlasting magique

“A story, a journey, a life worth telling. You’re and will always be an inspiration for every girl who dreams of playing cricket for India. A monumental career to say the least. Congratulations and have a great life ahead,” Amit Mishra tweeted.

Shikhar Dhawan wrote, “Congratulations on a marvellous career. You’ve been a fine example for cricketers across the country. Good luck for whatever lies ahead.”