Praveen Kumar who made his international debut in the 5th ODI against Pakistan in Jaipur in 2007, where he went wicketless from 10 overs and scored 12 runs, announced retirement from all forms of cricket on Sunday. Praveen took to Twitter to share his decision amongst his fans after a career spanning nearly 11 years.
“It’s been a great journey. It’s been a great life. With a heavy heart I want to say gud bye to my 1st love #CricketMeriJaan But the test cap no 268 nd ODI 170 will be mine till indian cricket era will continue… Thankyou @BCCI nd @UPCACricket for helping me to live up my dream,” Praveen wrote on his post on Twitter.
After a slow start in his debut, he quickly gained through the ranks and became one of India’s finest swing bowlers under MS Dhoni’s captaincy, especially in the limited-overs format.
Praveen played 68 ODIs for India where he took 77 wickets at an average of 36.02 with three-four wicket hauls. He excelled as a cricketer in the 50-over format which is why he was drafted in the Test team as well but couldn’t be able to excel his performance in red-ball cricket.
The 32-year-old seamer also represented India in 10 T20 internationals in which he took 8 wickets at 24.12.
“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,” Praveen told The Indian Express.
Although Praveen won’t quit the game forever as he has decided to play only for corporate cricket for ONGC ( Oil and Natural Gas Corporation). He’s looking forward to become a bowling coach in future.
“I want to become a bowling coach. People know that I have this knowledge. I think it’s an area which I can work dil se, I can pass on this experience to the young ones,” he said.
“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,” Praveen said.
Praveen last showcased his cricket skills on March 30, 2012, which was a T20 international against South Africa in Johannesburg, where he went wicketless.
