Mumbai: Indian women’s cricket team batter Punam Raut announced her retirement from all forms of international cricket with immediate effect on October 15, bringing the curtain down on a career spanning 12 years.

The 37-year-old represented India between 2009 and 2021, playing four Tests, 73 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 35 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).

Announcing her decision in a post on Instagram, Raut said she had arrived at it after considerable thought and reflection. She described representing India as the greatest honour of her life, adding that cricket had shaped her character, taught her resilience and given her memories she would always cherish.

Raut said she had worn the India jersey with pride and gratitude every time she represented the country. She also recalled how playing for India had been a childhood dream that eventually became reality, thanking those who had supported her throughout her career.

The right-handed batter also acknowledged the role of the Mumbai Cricket Association in her development. She said the opportunities and guidance she received from the association during her formative years had laid the foundation for her cricketing journey.

Raut, who was part of India’s women’s cricket set-up for more than a decade, had been out of favour with the national team in recent years. Her international career included appearances across all three formats before she last represented India in 2021.

Her retirement marks the end of her international career, during which she contributed to India’s batting line-up across formats. She expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her and the experiences she gained while representing the country.