Pankaj Singh, who represented India in 2 Tests and one ODI has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket with immediate effect. Although he has played very few international games, he has been one of the key players in domestic cricket.
The lanky seamer is well acknowledged as one of the brightest fast-bowling weapons in India. The veteran who moved from Rajasthan to Puducherry finished his career with 472 first-class wickets to his name. He featured in both SMAT and Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021.
He made his first-class debut for Rajasthan in 2004. He was only 19 years old at that time and made a splash. He bowled well in red-ball cricket that saw him earn a Test call-up. He featured for the national team in the team’s tour of England in 2014.
Pankaj played 2 Tests in the tour where he took 3 wickets. The lanky pacer drew praises from every nook and corner of the country for his efforts. He also played only one ODI in 2010 against Sri Lanka. Since then, he didn’t feature in limited-overs cricket.
“It is an emotional decision for sure. But I thought about it and decided that it is time to hang up my boots and do something new,” the 36-year-old Pankaj told Sportstar.
“I have done level-2 coaching and I definitely want to start coaching teams. Now that I have formally retired, I can think about that. I will assess things and see how it goes.”
Pankaj Singh recalls the biggest moments of his career
The lanky seamer Pankaj Singh couldn’t be any happier after getting the Test cap. He also further added that he would cherish the times of playing under MS Dhoni‘s leadership.
“Getting the Test cap was the biggest moment of my career and it has been an incredible journey. I have always enjoyed the game and that’s why it was difficult to make the tough call, but eventually, I had to,” Pankaj said.
“I am fortunate enough to receive the Test cap from Sourav Ganguly and got the opportunity to play under the captaincy of legend M. S. Dhoni. Memories of donning the Test cap will always be close to my heart,” he added.
He moved to Puducherry before the 2018/19 domestic season and ended up as the highest wicket-taker for the side in the 2018/19 Ranji season. Pankaj took 45 wickets at a superb average of 9.15. Unfortunately, he did not feature in the 2019/20 season due to injury.
He also played for Puducherry in both the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy earlier this year. His last game came against Mumbai in Jaipur.
