Pankaj Singh retires I pankaj singh announces retirement from all forms of cricket Team India fast bowler retires from all forms of cricket, got Test cap after hard struggle

New Delhi: Former India fast bowler Pankaj Singh has retired from all forms of cricket on Saturday. The 36-year-old fast bowler from Rajasthan represented the Indian team in two Tests and one ODI.

Pankaj Singh issued a statement saying, ‘It was not easy to take this decision. However, there comes a time in every player’s life when he has to retire. With a heavy heart and mixed feelings, I officially announce my retirement from all forms of cricket. The right-arm pacer played 117 first-class matches and picked up 472 wickets, including 28 five-wicket hauls in an innings. Apart from this, he also has 118 List A wickets in his account.

Pankaj Singh said, ‘Today is the most difficult day for me, but it is also a day for reflection and thanksgiving. RCA, BCCI, IPL and CAP were a huge honor for me. I have been a part of RCA for almost 15 years and achieved many milestones and gained incomparable experience under the RCA roof. My journey with RCA will always be memorable and will always be my priority.

Pankaj Singh of tall stature has also participated in IPL. He has represented Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals. Pankaj Singh has taken 11 wickets in 17 IPL matches. He played this match between 2008 and 2012.

This is the best moment of my life: Pankaj Singh

Pankaj Singh put an end to a professional career spanning nearly 17 years. Singh said that he had to listen to his body after being hit by Kovid-19 as he was feeling weak. Pankaj Singh’s cricket journey was full of ups and downs.

In 2007-08, Pankaj Singh was selected in the Indian team for the tour of Australia, but did not get to play the match. He had to wait another 6 years for the debut test. Pankaj Singh played both his Tests on the tour of England in 2014. Played the only ODI against Zimbabwe in 2010. But Singh’s domestic cricket numbers are excellent. In 2019, Pankaj Singh became the first fast bowler to complete 400 wickets in the Ranji Trophy.

Along with this, Pankaj Singh termed playing Test cricket as the best moment of his life. He said, “It was special to get my debut Test cap from Sourav Ganguly in England. I am fortunate to have got to play under the captaincy of a legend like MS Dhoni. Playing Test cricket is my best moment. I got it after a lot of struggle so it is a special memory for me.