Rajasthan keeper Yagnik to retire after Jharkhand match

Yagnik has been a pillar behind the stumps, playing 46 matches in a career spanning 14 years.

New Delhi: Rajasthan wicket-keeper batsman Dishant Yagnik has decided to hang his boots, ending a 14-year old career after the ongoing match against Jharkhand.

A popular figure and a man for crisis, Yagnik came to this decision after the first match of the season against J&K.

"The thought of calling it quits crossed my mind after the game against Jammu and Kashmir. I have told the selectors and most likely, the ongoing match will be my last." Yagnik told Sportstar

Though the selectors have requested him to carry on but it is unlikely that the stumper would do so.

"There is no motivation for me to play. At 34, you can't drag yourself to the ground everyday and play. So, it is important that I make way for juniors,"

Yagnik was out for 34 in the first innings after Jharkhand opted to field first in the Ranji Trophy Group B match at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Rajkot.

Yagnik has been an ardent servant of Rajasthan cricket, even after it going through a lot of turbulence over the past few years. Making his debut in 2002 against Services, Yagnik has been a pillar behind the stumps, playing 46 matches in a career spanning 14 years.

He also had a productive stint with IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals. He represented the Royals for 4 years between 2011 and 2014.

The wicket-keeper wants to pursue a career in coaching after retirement.

"I want to take up cricket coaching seriously, and that would be my way of giving back to the game. The talks are on with some of the people," the Udaipur-based cricketer said.