Indian pacer Praveen Kumar finally decided to hang up his boots from all forms of cricket on Friday. He won’t feature in the forthcoming Ranji season for his state Uttar Pradesh has the veteran now wishes that the youngsters prove their mettle in the side.
Kumar took this decision 13 years after he made his international debut for India. He has played 68 ODIs and 6 Test matches for India picking up 77 and 27 wickets respectively in the two formats. His 27 scalps in Tests include a five-for at the Lord's and despite being one of the best performers in the series, he never played in whites for India again.
He also made his way in the World Cup 2011 squad. However, he missed out due to an injury. He last represented India on March 30 in 2012 against South Africa.
He took to his official Twitter account and expressed that "its been a great journey."
Kumar had been one of the most impressive bowlers in the domestic circuit. He came out with flying colours in the 2005-06 Ranji Trophy where he took 41 wickets and 386 runs following which he earned his deserved international call-up in November 2007.
“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 told The Indian Express.
Kumar also played the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the teams like Kings XI Punjab, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Lions. He appeared in 119 IPL matches and have picked 90 wickets.
The 32-year-old will continue playing company cricket for ONGC but has decided to quit all forms of competitive cricket.