In an unexpected move, 31-year-old fast bowler Ankit Rajpoot has decided to stop playing cricket in India. Rajpoot was famous for making the ball bounce and swing, and he played a big role in domestic cricket, representing Uttar Pradesh. He also played for different teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
A Successful Journey
Rajpoot started playing first-class cricket in the 2012-13 season and soon became an important player for Uttar Pradesh. During his career, he took 248 wickets, showing how good he was as a fast bowler. His strong performances in domestic cricket led to him joining IPL teams like Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Kings XI Punjab, Rajasthan Royals, and Lucknow Super Giants.
One of the best moments in his IPL career happened in 2018 when he played for Kings XI Punjab. He had an amazing game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, taking 5 wickets and only giving up 14 runs. This is one of the best performances by a player who hasn’t been chosen for the national team in the history of the tournament.
The Decision to Retire
Rajpoot shared his decision on Instagram with a message full of feelings. He thanked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), his state team, and his teammates. He said, “Today, with a lot of thanks and respect, I say that I am retiring from Indian Cricket. My time from 2009 to 2024 has been the best part of my life.”
The choice seems to come from his wish to find chances to grow outside of Indian cricket. In his message, Rajpoot said, “I’m happy to share that I’ll be looking for new chances in cricket and the business part of it. I’ll keep playing the sport I love and push myself in a fresh and different setting.”
A New Chapter Awaits
Even though Rajpoot leaving Indian cricket closes one important part of his life, it also opens the door to new adventures. His choice follows a pattern of Indian cricket players wanting to join foreign T20 leagues. This move means they have to stop playing in India because of BCCI rules. Recently, former Indian fast bowler Siddarth Kaul also stopped playing in India to look for chances elsewhere.
As Rajpoot starts this new adventure, people in the cricket world are excited to see what happens next. His past experience and skills are expected to help him do well in different T20 leagues around the world. Fans and old teammates have sent him their best wishes, thanking him for his work in Indian cricket and showing support for his future plans.
In the End
Ankit Rajpoot retiring at 31 shows how quickly things can change in a sports career. His success on the field has made a lasting impression, and his choice to try new things shows he is thinking about his future. As he explores new areas, the cricket world is looking forward to seeing what he will do next.
