Raut enjoyed her greatest success in ODIs, scoring 2,299 runs in 73 matches at an average of 34.83. Her record included three centuries and 15 half-centuries, establishing her as a consistent contributor at the top of the order.
She represented India in three Women’s ODI World Cups in 2009, 2013 and 2017. The 2017 tournament proved particularly memorable, as she played important innings during India’s run to the final.
Raut scored a century against Australia during the league stage before producing 86 runs in the final against England. Despite India’s defeat in the title clash, her performance remained one of the notable highlights of the campaign.
Reflecting on that tournament, Raut said the 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup was one of the defining moments of her career. She also highlighted its wider impact on women’s cricket in India, saying it inspired a generation of young girls and helped shape the future of the game.
Record-Breaking Partnership with Deepti Sharma
One of the most memorable achievements of Raut’s career came in an ODI against Ireland in Potchefstroom, South Africa, in 2017.
Raut and Deepti Sharma shared a record-breaking opening partnership of 320 runs, setting a landmark in women’s ODI cricket. Raut retired hurt after scoring 109 off 116 deliveries, while Deepti went on to make 188 from 160 balls.
The partnership demonstrated Raut’s ability to build substantial innings and contribute to major team milestones. It remains a significant achievement from her international career.
Test Career Included a Century Against South Africa
Although Raut began her Test career with a duck, she quickly demonstrated her ability to perform in the longer format. In just her third Test, she scored an impressive 130 against South Africa in Mysore in 2014.
Across four Test appearances, she contributed to India’s efforts in the format and continued to showcase her batting ability.
Her final international appearance came in a drawn Test against Australia in Carrara in 2021. Raut scored 36 in the first innings and followed it with 41 in the second innings, bringing her international career to a close.
T20I Career and Memorable Performances
Raut also represented India in 35 T20Is, scoring 719 runs at an average of 27.65 and a strike rate of 92.17. Her tally included four half-centuries.
She featured in four editions of the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2014. Among her notable performances was an unbeaten 54 against Pakistan in 2009, which helped India secure a match-winning result.
She also scored 56 off 52 balls against the West Indies in the 2014 edition, adding another important contribution to her record in international T20 cricket.
In her retirement message, Raut also acknowledged the role played by the Mumbai Cricket Association in developing her career.
She thanked the association for believing in her during her formative years and credited the opportunities and guidance she received there with laying the foundation for her cricketing journey.
Her comments highlighted the importance of domestic cricket in nurturing players and helping them progress to the international level.
Punam Raut Brings an End to Her International Journey
Raut’s retirement marks the end of a career that included important contributions across all three international formats. From scoring more than 2,200 ODI runs to playing a key role in India’s memorable 2017 World Cup campaign, she leaves behind several significant achievements.
Although her international career has come to an end, her performances, particularly during India’s World Cup journey and the record partnership with Deepti Sharma, remain important moments in the history of Indian women’s cricket.