Veteran Indian pacer Praveen Kumar has decided to hang his boots from all forms of cricket eleven years after making his international debut for India and 13 years of competitive cricket. The Meerut bowler during the peak of his career was a part of several memorable victories with the team. In 2011, he had run over the England batting line-up to produce one of the most memorable spells by an Indian bowler on English soil. With his magnificent 5/106 in the first Test at Lord’s, he became the 18th Indian cricketer to have his name on the Honours Board of the Lord’s Cricket Ground.
One of the most prolific wicket-takers in domestic cricket, Praveen heavily impressed for Uttar Pradesh in the 2005-06 Ranji Trophy where he took 41 wickets and 386 runs to take the tournament by a storm. He had the ability to swing the ball both way round and despite having limited pace at his bay, remained a constant threat to the best of the batsmen. After an impressive stint in the domestic circuit, he earned his deserved international call-up in November 2007.
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.
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.
“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
