Vinay Kumar and Yusuf Pathan announce retirement from all forms of cricket
In what has been a shocking week, with the Test match between India and England ending within Day 2, more surprise followed as two of India’s most successful cricketers in domestic cricket – Vinay Kumar and Yusuf Pathan have announced retirement on Friday afternoon.
Indian international cricketer and Karnataka legend Vinay Kumar decided to call it day from international cricket as well as the domestic circuit. Having made his first-class debut in 2004 for Karnataka against Bengal and the first appearance in List A couple of months later, Kumar was a mainstay of the state side before he moved base to Pondicherry.
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After working hard for more than five years on the domestic circuit, Kumar got his International break in 2010, against Zimbabwe. Although he played several ODIs following that, the Karnataka-based cricketer played just one Test match, against Australia in Perth, back in 2012, apart from nine appearances in T20Is.
“Today, the “Davangere Express” after running for 25 years and passing so many stations of cricketing life, has finally arrived at the station called retirement. It is not an easy decision to make, however, there comes a time in every sportperson’s where one has to call it a day,” said Vinay Kumar, in a statement.
Still remember the day I wore Indi’s jersey the first time, recalls Yusuf Pathan
Meanwhile, another stalwart of the domestic circuit – Yusuf Pathan bid adieu to the game of bat and ball, around 20 years since making his first-class debut. The Baroda all-rounder featured in his first ODI game back in 2008, against Pakistan in Dhaka. Overall, he’s earned 57 ODI and 22 T20I caps in his career.
“I still remember the day when I wore the India jersey for the first time. I didn’t only wear the jersey that day, but I took upon my family’s, coach’s, friends the whole country’s and my own expectations on my shoulders as well. Since my childhood, my life has revolved only around Cricket. I played at international level, domestic level and in the IPL in my career,” said Yusuf Pathan, on
“But today is a bit different. There is no World Cup or IPL final today but it is equally important. The time has come today for me to put a full stop to this innings of my life. I officially announce retirement from all forms of the game. I thank my family, friends, fans, teams, coaches and the whole country wholeheartedly for all the support and love. I am sure you will continue to encourage me in future as well,” added Pathan.