India's 2007 T20 World Cup hero Joginder Sharma has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Friday. The right-arm pacer who was handed over the final over of the T20 World Cup final against Pakistan in the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup by the then captain MS Dhoni took to social media to announce the decision.
"Today with immense gratitude and humility I announce my retirement from all forms of International and domestic cricket. my journey from 2002 to 2017 has been the most wonderful years of my life honour representing India level of sport," he wrote in a letter addressed to BCCI secretary Jay Shah.
Pakistan needed 13 from 6 deliveries to win the T20 World Cup in 2007 but had only 1 wicket at their disposal. While Joginder initially struggled to hit his target and bowled a wide before conceding a six, he then removed Misbah to send a billion Indian fans into ecstasy. Misbah went for the scoop shot with the fine leg inside the circle but Joginder didn't have much pace to work with and it went straight up in the year where S Sreesanth grabbed one of the most famous catches in Indian cricket history
Joginder featured for India in 4 ODIs and 4 T20Is but could never make it to India's Playing XI after helping India lift the Cup.
"I am grateful for the opportunities given to me by the BCCI wicket Association Chennai Super Kings and the Haryana government to all my teammates coaches Mentos and support staff absolute privilege to have played with you all for helping turn my dream into reality," he wrote.
"To all cricket fans that have supported me through the ups and downs of International sport: I will forever cherish the moments I spent with you all. Your support has always been a source of motivation for me," he further said.
"Lastly, I would like to thank my family and friends for their conditional love and support throughout my career they have been my backbones and without them, I would not have been able to achieve what I have today."
Sharma, however, will continue to be seen from time to time in tournaments meant exclusively for retired cricketers such as the Legends League cricket where he was part of the Gujarat Giants squad. The 39-year-old said that he will want to venture into the business side of the sport.
"I am excited to announce I will be exploring new opportunities in the world of cricket side of it also continue to participate in the sport that I love and challenge myself in a new and different environment I believe that this is the next step in my journey as a cricketer I look forward to this chapter in my life."