Former India pacer Munaf Patel retired from all forms of cricket on Saturday, saying that he has no regrets as all the cricketers he has played with have allready retired. Fondly called the “Bharuch Express”, Munaf will now feature in the upcoming edition of T10 league where he will represent the franchise team “Rajputs”.
An integral part of India’s 2011 world cup winning squad, Munaf contained the batsman and picked wickets at crucial junctures of the match that proved beneficial for India’s triumph in 2011 world cup. The 35-year-old has featured in 13 Tests, 70 One Day International and 3 T20I games for the country. Patel last featured for India in 2011 England tour and since then his dipping form has not permitted the selectors to bring him back in the squad again.
Munaf has played for Mumbai, Maharashtra and Baroda in domestic cricket followed by Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Lions in Indian Premier League.
“There is no regret; after all the cricketers I played with have retired. Only Dhoni is left! Baki sab done ho chuke hain. So, there is no sadness as such. Sabka time khatam ho chuka hain, ghum hota jab saare khel rahe hote aur mein retire kar raha hota (everyone’s time is up; there will be sadness only if others are playing and only I had quit!),” Munaf told Indian Express.
Munaf said that he is delighted to be a part of India’s 2011 winning squad and now he wants the youngsters to be given the chance over him.
“There is no special reason, age ho chuka hai, fitness is not the same. Youngsters are there waiting for chances and it doesn’t look nice if I keep hanging on. The main thing is there is no motivation left. I was part of World Cup winning team in 2011; there can’t be a greater high than that.” he added.
