Praveen Kumar Announces Retirement From All Forms Of Cricket

The ‘jaadugar’ of Meerut and veteran India pacer Praveen Kumar has brought down curtains on his cricket career, thus ending his 13-year journey in competitive cricket. The former India pacer will, however, ply his trade for ONGC in company cricket.

Praveen Kumar first shot to limelight for his performances for India Red in the NKP Salve Challenger Trophy 2007. It paved the way for his India debut in the same year.  The bowler, famous for his swing and control, made his One Day International debut against Pakistan in November 2007.

His first major contribution came in the tri-nation Commonwealth Bank Series in 2008 in Australia. The right-arm pacer played an important role in the Indian triumph. He became an overnight star after his excellent spell in the second final at Brisbane. Playing just his fourth ODI, Kumar put in a superb performance with the ball. He ended the game with figures of 4/46 that helped India restrict the world champions to just 249 and register their first ever tri-series win in Australia.

Kumar was one of India’s most important bowlers between 2008 and 2011. He missed the 2011 World Cup with an injury. Just a couple of months after the World Cup heartbreak, he made his Test debut against West Indies cricket team at Kingston in June 2011.

He then impressed during the tour of England. Kumar put his name on the Lord’s honours board with a five-wicket haul. He played three Tests in England and despite not playing the fourth Test, he still ended as India’s highest wicket-taker in the series.

Loss of form, injuries and off-field controversies soon saw him lose his place in the national team. And after years of futile attempt, he has finally announced his retirement.

“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.

Just 32, Kumar also said that he wants to become a bowling coach.

“I want to become a bowling coach. People know that I have this knowledge. I think it’s a area which I can work dil se, I can pass on this experience to the young ones,” he said.

The former pacer went on to say that his decision to hang his boots was not taken in a haste, saying:

“I have decided to retire from cricket. The decision is not taken in haste, I gave a thought over it and I felt it was a right time to say goodbye to the sport which gave me so much. I want to thank my family, BCCI, UPCA, Rajeev (Shukla) sir for giving me the opportunity to fulfill my dreams.”

Overall, Kumar played 6 Tests, 68 ODIs and 10 T20Is, picking up a total of 112 international wickets. His last appearance for India came in March 2012.