“Greatest Honour of My Life” – India Spinner Announces Retirement from Cricket

India Spinner Announces Retirement from All Forms of Cricket

Indian women’s cricket has said goodbye to one of its greatest experienced left-arm spinners. Gouher Sultana has announced her retirement from all forms of the game at the age of 37, stating it was the “greatest honour” of her life to represent India at the highest level.

Gouher Sultana’s Career: Over 10 Years Strong

Gouher Sultana first played internationally in 2008 and became a bowler India could always count on. During her best years, she played in 50 ODIs and 37 T20Is, often getting important wickets with her clever left-arm spin.

Here’s how she did:

• ODI Record: 66 wickets, averaging 19.39
• T20I Record: 29 wickets, averaging 26.27

Her pinpoint control and knack for creating pressure made her a vital part of India’s bowling team in the late 2000s and early 2010s.

World Cup Since we confirmed lists from every country, Sultana has played the World Cup – as we have discussed it before, it was both in the ODI (2009, 2013- 12 wickets in 11 matches) and the T20 (2009, 2010, 2014- 7 wickets) World Cup’s for women – these performances and numbers clearly helped India remain relevant in women’s cricket, when Indian women’s cricket was trying to establish its place in world cricket.

Return Via WPL

Gouher Sultana, who last played for India in April 2014, made an amazing return in the 2024 and 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL). She played for UP Warriorz and proved that her skills and past work still matter in India’s changing cricket scene.

Her Emotional Retirement Note

In her Instagram post announcing retirement, Sultana wrote:

“To have represented India at the highest level – in World Cups, tours, and battles that tested both skill and spirit – has been the greatest honour of my life.”

She further reflected:

“Every wicket taken, every dive in the field, every huddle with my teammates has shaped the cricketer and the person I am today.”

Gouher Sultana may not be playing cricket anymore, but she’s definitely still involved. Now, she’s a BCCI Level 2 certified coach, which means she’s helping to train the next group of cricket players. With all her time playing at the top, she’s sure to motivate a lot of young players who dream about playing for the national team.