Veteran fast bowler Praveen Kumar has announced his decision to retire from all forms of cricket after making his debut for India back in November 2007.
Kumar, 32, would still continue to play for ONGC after having represented India for the last time in 2012.
Announcing his decision, Kumar, in his interaction with The Indian Express, said, “I have decided to retire from cricket. The decision is not taken in haste, I gave a thought over it and I felt it was a right time to say goodbye to the sport which gave me so much.”
“I want to thank my family, BCCI, UPCA, Rajeev (Shukla) sir for giving me the opportunity to fulfil my dreams,” he added further.
Kumar made his Ranji Trophy debut for Uttar Pradesh back in their title-winning season of 2005-2006 . He began with a bang–with 90 wickets from two seasons which immediately caught the selectors’ eye and he was handed a debut against Pakistan in 2007.
Also read: Most corrupt bookies are Indians, reveals top ICC official
He then went on to win 84 international caps for the country across formats and his skills in swinging the ball earned him 27 wickets at an average of 25.81 in Test cricket where he could play just six matches. He had a terrific Test series when India toured England in 2011–the highlight of which was his 5/106 at Lord’s which made him the 18th Indian to enter into the honours board–but mysteriously didn’t represent the country again in the longest format of the game.
He did well for India in 50-over cricket as well where his four-wicket haul in the Commonwealth Bank series helped India win the series. He was even drafted in the squad for the 2011 World Cup but illness ruled him out of the tournament which India eventually won. He played 68 ODIs.
After being overlooked for the national side, he wore the hat of a mentor for his state. A veteran of 66 first-class matches, Kumar played his last game for his state last year in October. He thus ends his first-class career with 267 wickets averaging 23.61.
“I have no regrets. Dil sey khela, dil sey bowling daala (I played and bowled with my heart). There are good bowlers waiting in the wings back in UP and I don’t want their careers to be affected. Mein kheloonga toh ek ka jagah jayega, (If I play, one spot would go); it’s important to think of other players’ future as well. My time is over and I have accepted it. I’m happy and thankful to God for giving me this chance,” Kumar added.
Image credit- CricketCountry