Punam Raut Retires: Star India Women Batter Announces Retirement From International Cricket
Indian batting stalwart Punam Raut has announced her retirement from international cricket on October 15, 2026, at the age of 37, after a distinguished 17-year career. A key opener, Raut featured in three ODI and four T20 World Cups, and notably shared a world-record 320-run partnership with Deepti Sharma against Ireland in May 2017.
Mumbai, October 16, 2026 – India's acclaimed top-order batter, Punam Raut, has drawn curtains on a distinguished international cricket career, announcing her retirement yesterday, October 15, 2026. The 37-year-old right-hander concludes a remarkable journey that saw her represent India across formats for 17 years, leaving an indelible mark on women's cricket. Raut, who made her international debut in March 2009, played a pivotal role in several memorable campaigns, most notably India's run to the final of the 2017 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup. Her decision was shared through a heartfelt statement on social media, where she expressed profound gratitude for her journey. Raipur Weather Forecast and Rain Chances for India Women vs Zimbabwe Women 1st T20I 2026.
Punam Raur Announces International Retirement
View this post on Instagram
A Career of Notable Achievements
Punam Raut featured in 4 Tests, 73 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 35 T20 Internationals for India. Her career statistics reflect a reliable presence at the top of the order:
- Tests: 4 matches, 264 runs, average 44.00, 1 century (highest score 130)
- ODIs: 73 matches, 2299 runs, average 34.83, 3 centuries, 15 half-centuries (highest score 109*)
- T20Is: 35 matches, 719 runs, average 27.65, 4 half-centuries (highest score 75)
One of the defining moments of her career came on May 15, 2017, when Raut, along with fellow opener Deepti Sharma, forged a world-record 320-run opening partnership against Ireland Women. This historic stand, achieved during the Women's Quadrangular Series at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom, South Africa, saw Raut contribute 109 runs before retiring hurt. Deepti Sharma went on to score an astonishing 188 runs in the same match, as India posted a formidable total of 358 for 2.
World Cup Pedigree
Raut was a consistent presence in India's World Cup squads, participating in three ODI World Cups and four T20 World Cups. Her impactful performances include scoring 381 runs in the 2017 ODI World Cup, where she top-scored with a courageous 86 runs in the final against England at Lord's, a match India narrowly lost by nine runs. India Women Likely Playing XI for 1st T20I 2026 vs Zimbabwe Women: Check Predicted 11.
Reflecting on her journey, Raut stated, “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. Every time I wore the India jersey, I did so with immense pride and gratitude.” She further added, “The player in me may step aside, but the love for this game will never retire. My next innings is about giving back to the game that gave me everything.”
Punam Raut’s last international appearance was in an ODI against England in June 2021, and her final Test match was the historic pink-ball Test against Australia in September-October 2021, where she notably walked off after edging a delivery despite being given not out. Her retirement marks the end of an era for one of India's most dedicated women cricketers, whose contributions on and off the field have inspired many.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 16, 2026 10:15 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
