Pankaj Singh has decided to retire from all forms of cricket. The Rajasthan fast bowler has featured in three international matches for India (two Test matches and one ODI) and played domestic cricket for 17 years. He represented Rajasthan and Puducherry in domestic cricket in India and also played a handful of IPL games.
The Rajasthan fast bowlers went on to represent India in two Test matches and one ODI. He made his first-class debut for Rajasthan back in 2004 and after 17 years, he has announced his retirement.
In 2010, Singh made his international debut in an ODI match against Zimbabwe. He bowled seven overs for 45 runs and couldn’t pick a wicket. He played a couple of Test matches during India’s tour of England in 2014. He went wicketless on Test debut before picking up two in his second.
However, the Sultanpur-born pacer had a solid first-class record. He played 117 first-class matches and picked up 472 wickets at an average of 23.76.
“It’s not an easy decision to make, however, there comes a time in every sports person’s life where one has to call it a day. With a heavy heart and mixed emotions, I officially announce my retirement from all forms of cricket. Today is the most difficult day for me but it is also a day of reflection and gratitude.
Playing for RCA, BCCI, IPL, and CAP has been a tremendous honour for me. I have been part of RCA for close to 15 years and reached many milestones and gained incredible experience under the roof RCA. My journey with RCA has always been memorable and will always remain first priority for me,”
he was quoted saying in a statement.
In List ‘A’ cricket, he took 118 wickets from 79 games while he returned with 43 scalps from 57 T20 games. Singh has also played 17 IPL matches between 2008 and 2012.
He picked up 11 wickets in his IPL career – seven for Rajasthan Royals, and four for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Singh last played in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy earlier this year. He could accumulate just five wickets from six games across the two premier Indian domestic white-ball tournaments.