“End of an era.” That’s how coach RSR Murthy reacted to Mithali Raj retiring from the game on Wednesday. “It was on the cards. She had taken the decision immediately after the World Cup. Her dream was to win the World Cup. That could not happen in New Zealand and the next edition is far away. She had made up her mind during the senior National championships,’’ revealed Murthy, who has been her coach since 2000.

According to Murthy, she announced it on Wednesday so that the selection committee does not pick her for the Sri Lanka tour. “She ended her international career on a high when she was the highest scorer for the team. With nothing at stake, she made the right decision,’’ he said.