Shock to Indian Cricket: Indian Bowler Announces Surprise Retirement

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Indian fast bowler Ankit Rajput, representing Uttar Pradesh, announced his retirement from cricketing in India at the young age of 31 years. Having made his first-class debut in the 2012-13 Ranji season, he has represented several teams across the Indian Premier League in his career. Currently, he is looking at opportunities in cricket.

Rajput claimed 248 wickets in red-ball cricket throughout his career. However, he was never given a chance to enter international cricket. In IPL 2013, he was selected by the Chennai Super Kings team and also played with Kings XI Punjab, Rajasthan Royals, and Kolkata Knight Riders. The last team for which he played was the Lucknow Super Giants, although he wasn't included in any of the matches for that season. Shock to Indian Cricket:Rajput appeared in 29 IPL matches, where he took 24 wickets. However, he has not been part of the IPL since 2020 and went unsold in the recent mega auction.

Taking to Instagram, Ankit Rajput expressed his gratitude: “Today, with immense gratitude and humility, I announce my retirement from Indian cricket. My journey from 2009 to 2024 has been the most wonderful period of my life. I thank BCCI, Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association, Kanpur Cricket Association, and IPL franchises, namely, Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Kings XI Punjab, Rajasthan Royals, and Lucknow Super Giants, for the opportunities given to me.

He further added, "I am excited to announce that I will be exploring new opportunities in the world of cricket and its professional side, where I will continue to be involved in the sport I love and challenge myself in a new and different environment.". I believe this is the next step in my journey as a cricketer, and I am excited to embrace this new chapter in my life. I wish all my teammates from the various teams I have been part of, the best of luck.