Punam Raut Retires: The Untold Story Behind India's Quiet Hero

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-10-16

Punam Raut, the elegant top-order batter who once lit up the 2017 Women's World Cup, has called time on her international career. She announced the decision on Instagram, just a day after turning 37. For fans who followed her journey from Mumbai's maidans to the grandest stages, it's a moment to pause and reflect. Raut represented India from 2009 to 2021, playing four Tests, 73 ODIs, and 35 T20Is. Her message on Wednesday was heartfelt: "Representing India was the greatest honour of my life," she wrote. "Cricket shaped my character, taught me resilience, and gave me memories I'll carry forever." ### The Instagram Farewell In her statement, Raut thanked the Mumbai Cricket Association for backing her early on. She said the opportunities and guidance she received there laid the foundation for everything that followed. "I wore the India jersey with pride and gratitude every time I stepped onto the field," she added. It wasn't a decision she took lightly. "After much thought and reflection, I knew it was time," she explained. The cricketing world responded with an outpouring of respect for a player who always put the team first. ### ODI Career and the 2017 World Cup Heroics Raut's ODI record speaks for itself: 2,299 runs at an average of 34.83, with three centuries and 15 half-centuries. But it was the 2017 World Cup that etched her name into Indian cricket folklore. She smashed a century against Australia in a league match, then top-scored with 86 in the final against England at Lord's. India fell just short that day, but Raut believes the tournament changed everything. "It inspired a generation of young girls to pick up a bat," she said. And she's right—the ripple effects are still being felt today. She also shares a world record: a 320-run opening stand with Deepti Sharma against Ireland in Potchefstroom in 2017. Raut retired hurt on 109 off 116 balls, while Deepti made 188 off 160. That partnership remains the highest ever in women's ODIs. ### Test and T20I Highlights Raut's Test career began with a duck, but she more than made up for it in her third match, scoring a brilliant 130 against South Africa in Mysore in 2014. In T20Is, she scored 719 runs at an average of 27.65 and a strike rate of 92.17, with four half-centuries. She played in four T20 World Cups (2009, 2010, 2012, 2014). Her standout moments? A match-winning 54 not out against Pakistan in 2009 and a 56 off 52 balls against West Indies in 2014. Her final game for India was a drawn Test against Australia in Carrara in 2021. She scored 36 in the first innings and finished unbeaten on 41 in the second—a typical gritty Raut performance. ### A New Chapter for India Raut's retirement comes as India enters a new era under Smriti Mandhana, who has taken over as captain. It's the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. But Raut's legacy? It's secure. As she put it: "Cricket gave me everything. Now it's time to give back." We can't wait to see what she does next.