Punam Raut Retires From International Cricket: Revisiting Her 2017 World Cup Heartbreak and India Career

Former India women’s cricket team batter Punam Raut has announced her retirement from all forms of international cricket, bringing an end to a career that began in 2009. The Mumbai-born right-handed batter represented India in four Tests, 73 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 35 T20 Internationals, scoring 3,282 runs across formats.

Raut’s career included memorable performances, including India’s run to the 2017 Women’s ODI World Cup final. However, her international journey also featured a prolonged absence from the national team, with her final appearance for India coming in 2021.

Punam Raut Announces Retirement After More Than a Decade

Raut announced her retirement on October 15, 2026, through a message shared on Instagram. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent India and acknowledged the sacrifices, challenges and experiences that shaped her career.

She also thanked the Mumbai Cricket Association for supporting her development and helping her progress to the international level.

Raut indicated that she wants to remain connected with the sport and contribute to cricket in the future. Her retirement marks the end of her international playing career, but she has expressed an interest in giving back to the game that shaped her life.

The 2017 Women’s World Cup Final Heartbreak

One of the defining moments of Raut’s career came during the 2017 Women’s ODI World Cup final against England at Lord’s.

India were chasing a target of 229 runs when Raut produced a determined innings of 86 from 115 deliveries. She helped India build a strong position alongside Harmanpreet Kaur, who scored 51.

India reached 191 for four and appeared well placed to win the title. However, England fought back, taking the remaining six Indian wickets for just 28 runs.

India were bowled out for 219, losing the final by nine runs. Anya Shrubsole claimed six wickets to help England secure the trophy.

Raut finished the tournament with 381 runs at an average of 42.33, including one century and two half-centuries. Her contribution was central to India’s memorable campaign, even though the team fell narrowly short of the title.

Punam Raut and Deepti Sharma’s Record Partnership

Another major highlight of Raut’s career came in 2017, when she partnered Deepti Sharma in a record-breaking ODI innings against Ireland during a women’s quadrangular series in South Africa.

The pair added 320 runs for the opening wicket, setting a record partnership in women’s ODI cricket. Raut scored 109 before retiring hurt, while Deepti continued to make 188.

The partnership demonstrated Raut’s ability to build long innings and establish a strong foundation at the top of the order. It remains one of the standout batting performances in the history of Indian women’s cricket.

Punam Raut’s International Career in Numbers

Raut made her ODI debut against the West Indies in March 2009 and played her first T20I against Pakistan later that year. She made her Test debut against England in August 2014.

Her career statistics reflect her contribution across formats:

• Tests: 264 runs in four matches, including one century.
• ODIs: 2,299 runs in 73 matches, including three centuries and 15 half-centuries.
• T20Is: 719 runs in 35 matches, including four half-centuries.
• Total international runs: 3,282 across all three formats.

Her highest Test score was 130 against South Africa in 2014. In ODIs, she recorded an unbeaten 109 against Ireland, while her T20I career included a highest score of 75.

Why Did Punam Raut Stop Playing for India in 2021?

Raut’s final international appearance came against England in an ODI on June 27, 2021. She did not play another international match for India before announcing her retirement in October 2026.

Her absence was notable because she had enjoyed a productive period in ODI cricket during 2021. She scored 295 runs in six ODIs that year at an average of 73.75, including an unbeaten century against South Africa.

Raut also featured in India’s historic pink-ball Test against Australia in September 2021. During the match, she walked off after edging the ball despite being given not out by the on-field umpire, a moment widely discussed for its sportsmanship.

Although her international career ended without a return to the national side, her performances during India’s 2017 World Cup campaign remain an important part of her legacy.

Punam Raut’s Next Chapter in Cricket

In her retirement message, Raut expressed her intention to give back to cricket. While she has brought her international playing career to a close, her experience could prove valuable in areas such as coaching, mentoring or player development if she chooses to pursue them.

Her journey from Mumbai’s cricketing system to representing India at major international tournaments offers an example of perseverance and dedication.

Conclusion

Punam Raut’s retirement closes a significant chapter in Indian women’s cricket. From her 86-run innings in the 2017 World Cup final to her record 320-run partnership with Deepti Sharma, she produced performances that will be remembered by cricket fans.

Although she last represented India in 2021, her international career leaves behind 3,282 runs and several notable achievements. As she looks towards the next phase of her journey, Raut has expressed a desire to give back to the sport that gave her an international career.