Uttar Pradesh pacer Ankit Rajpoot has announced his retirement from Indian cricket at the age of 31.
The tall fast bowler, who has represented several IPL franchises during his career, confirmed that he will now pursue new opportunities within the cricketing world.
Rajpoot made his first-class debut for Uttar Pradesh during the 2012-13 Ranji season, going on to claim 248 wickets in his red-ball career.
Despite not earning an international cap, he was picked by Chennai Super Kings ahead of the 2013 IPL season and later played for Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Kolkata Knight Riders.
More recently, he was part of the Lucknow Super Giants squad but did not feature in any matches.
Rajpoot’s IPL career includes a memorable five-wicket haul, and he has taken 24 wickets in 29 games.
However, he has not played in the IPL since 2020 and went unsold in the most recent auction.
The 31-year-old also featured in a couple of Ranji matches this season but went wicketless in both.
In his retirement announcement, Rajpoot expressed 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 am grateful for the opportunities given to me by the Board of Control for India, Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association, Kanpur Cricket Association, and the IPL franchises Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Kings XI, Rajasthan Royals, and Lucknow Super Giants.”
He added, “I am excited to announce that I will be exploring new opportunities in the world of cricket and the business side of it, where I will continue to engage with the sport I love and challenge myself in new and different environments.
I believe this is the next step in my journey as a cricketer, and I look forward to this new chapter in my life.
I wish the best of luck to all the teammates from the various teams I’ve been a part of.”
Leave a Reply