Former India pacer Praveen Kumar has decided to hang his boots as he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Saturday. The 32-year-old said that he wants to allow the youngsters to step in and take the team forward. Kumar was sidelined from Vijay Hazare trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy but continued to play in the Ranji trophy for Uttar Pradesh.
The Meerut born cricketer made his International debut against Pakistan in 2007 and since then he went onto feature in 84 International matches(68 ODIs, 6 tests and 10 T20s). He last featured for India in March 2012 in a T20 against South Africa.
Praveen was integral part of the Indian team from 2009-2011 and was named in the world cup squad of 2011. However, an injury ruined his biggest dream and he was sidelined from the squad as Sreesanth was named as his replacement.
“I have decided to retire from cricket,” Praveen told Indian Express. “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 fulfill my dreams. want to become a bowling coach. People know that I have this knowledge. I think it’s an area which I can work dil se(by heart), I can pass on this experience to the young ones,”
Praveen will continue to play company cricket for ONGC and have no regrets on how his International career turned out.
“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,” he added.
its been a great jounery.
Its been a great life.
With a heavy heart I want to say gud bye to my 1st love #CricketMeriJaan
But the test cap no 268 nd ODI 170 will be mine till indian cricket era will continue… Thankyou @BCCI nd @UPCACricket for helping me to live up my dream.??— praveen kumar (@praveenkumar) October 20, 2018
