Ankit Rajpoot quits Indian cricket at 31

Uttar Pradesh pacer Ankit Rajpoot has announced his retirement from Indian cricket, revealing his decision via an Instagram post on Monday, December 16. Ankit Rajpoot, who has also played for several IPL franchises, said that he will explore new opportunities in the world of cricket and its business side.

Rajpoot made his first-class debut for Uttar Pradesh in November 2012. The right-arm fast bowler went on to play 80 matches, taking 248 wickets. He also picked up 71 wickets in List A cricket and 105 in T20s. However, he didn’t get a chance to represent the Indian cricket team at the international level.

I Announce My Retirement from Indian Cricket - Ankit Rajpoot

Ankit Rajpoot thanked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association, Kanpur Cricket Association, and IPL franchises like Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Kings XI, Rajasthan Royals, and Lucknow Super Giants.

"Today, with immense gratitude & humility, I announce my retirement from Indian Cricket. My journey from 2009-2024 has been the most wonderful period of my life. I am grateful for the opportunities given to me by the Board of Control for India, Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association, Kanpur Cricket Association, IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Kings 11, Rajasthan Royals, and Lucknow Super Giants," Ankit wrote.

I Will Be Exploring New Opportunities - Ankit Rajpoot

The 31-year-old fast bowler expressed excitement about exploring new opportunities in the business side of cricket. Ankit wished the best of luck to all the teammates from the various teams he's been a part of.

"I am excited to announce that I will be exploring new opportunities in the world of cricket & the business side of it, where I will 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 and I look forward to this new chapter in my life. I wish the best of luck to all the teammates from the various teams I've been a part of."

Ankit Rajpoot Holds the Second-Best Figures by an Uncapped Player in IPL History

Ankit Rajpoot was part of Uttar Pradesh's winning squad during the 2015-16 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The pacer took 14 wickets in nine matches, including 3/30 in the final against Baroda. He started his IPL career after being picked by Chennai Super Kings in 2013 and played in only two matches that season.

Ankit later joined Kolkata Knight Riders in 2016, taking seven wickets across two seasons. The bowler then moved to Kings XI Punjab in 2018. He recorded the best figures by an uncapped IPL player, taking 5/14 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. This record was broken by Akash Madhwal during the IPL 2023 season.

Overall, Rajpoot played 29 IPL matches and took 24 wickets. However, he hasn't featured in the tournament post IPL 2020 and recently went unsold in the auctions. He was part of Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2022 but did not play a game.

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