Indian women's cricket team's left-arm spinner, Gouher Sultana, announced her retirement from all formats of cricket on Thursday. The 37-year-old Sultana made her international debut in 2008 and won the hearts of millions of cricket fans with her talent while playing for India.
Sports News: Indian women's cricket team's left-arm spinner, Gouher Sultana, announced her retirement from all formats of cricket on Thursday. She stated that representing the country at the highest level of the sport was the greatest honor for her. The 37-year-old Gouher Sultana made her international debut in 2008. She played a total of 50 One Day International (ODI) and 37 T20 International matches for India. She last represented the country in April 2014.
Gouher Sultana's International Career
Gouher Sultana played a total of 50 One Day International (ODI) and 37 T20 International matches for India. In ODIs, she took 66 wickets at an average of 19.39, while in T20 Internationals, she took 29 wickets at an average of 26.27. Sultana participated in two ODI World Cups in 2009 and 2013, taking a total of 12 wickets in 11 matches. Additionally, she participated in three T20 World Cups from 2009 to 2014 and took seven wickets.
Her performance proved crucial for Team India on every occasion. Every wicket, every dive on the field, and every huddle (strategizing on the field) with teammates helped her become a better cricketer and a better person.
Reaction to Retirement
Even after retiring from international cricket, Sultana continued to play domestic cricket and in the Women's Premier League (WPL). She represented UP Warriorz in 2024 and 2025 and strengthened the team with her spin bowling. Sultana's presence was also an inspiration for the team's young players. Her experience and understanding of the game empowered the team environment both on and off the field.
Sultana wrote in her Instagram post, "Representing India at the highest level in the World Cup and various tours has been the greatest honour of my life. It tested my skills and passion. Every wicket, every dive on the field, and every huddle with teammates has helped me become not just a cricketer but a better human being."
