Rumeli Dhar Takes Retirement From International Cricket

The 38-year-old Indian all-rounder and seam bowler Rumeli Dhar has declared her retirement from international cricket. In the 2018 tri-nation women’s T20I series between India, Australia, and England at Brabourne, Dhar competed in her final match for her country.

Rumeli Dhar played in four Tests, 78 ODIs, and 18 T20Is overall, totaling 1328 runs and 84 wickets across all forms. Rumeli was also a member of the Indian squad that competed in the 2005 World Cup final in South Africa, losing to Australia by a score of 98 runs.

With six strikes in four games and an economy rate of 4.78, she was also India’s joint-highest wicket-taker at the 2009 T20 World Cup in England.

“23 years of my cricket career that started from Shyamnagar in West Bengal, has finally come to an end as I announce my retirement from all forms of cricket,” Dhar put up a post on Instagram.

“There have been highs and lows throughout the lengthy trip. The highlight was playing in the 2005 World Cup final and captaining the Women in Blue while representing the Indian Women’s Cricket Team. My career was afflicted by a series of injuries, but I always bounce back stronger to make a difference.

I would want to express my gratitude to my family, the BCCI, my friends, and the teams I represented (Bengal, Railways, Air India, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Assam) for having faith in my ability and allowing me to play for them. Today, I am saying goodbye to the sport I have always loved. They facilitated my approach to the India team,” wrote Dhar.

She further added, “I learned something from every game of my protracted career that will aid me in my second innings. Like all journeys, mine will come to an end as a cricket player today, but I swear to continue to be involved in the game, support developing new players in my nation, and give back to it in any way I can.”

“Thanking everyone for being there for me through all of my highs and lows, for loving me and my game, for pushing me when I needed it most, for cheering me on when I was at my worst, for laughing with me, and for reprimanding me when I needed it. Everything I am now, I owe to each and every one of you.

“I am having trouble finding the right words to describe how I feel right now. I just want to say thank you to everyone for supporting me and showing me so much love throughout the years.