India pacer Vinay Kumar announces retirement from all forms of cricket

Pacer Vinay Kumar, who played for India in all three formats of the game, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket via an official statement on Friday. Notably, Vinay Kumar represented India in 1 Test, 31 ODIs and 9 T20Is and took 49 wickets across all formats of the game.

“Today “Davangere Express” after running for 25 years and passing so many stations of cricketing life, has finally arrived at a station called “Retirement”. With a lot of mixed emotions, I, Vinay Kumar R, hereby announce my retirement from international and first-class cricket. It is not an easy decision to make, however, there comes a time in every sportsperson’s life where one has to call it a day.,” Vinay Kumar said in an official statement on Twitter.

Vinay Kumar further said that he has been lucky enough to play alongside the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli in his career. “My cricketing experience has been enriched by playing under the great minds of Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid, MS Dhoni, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, and Rohit Sharma to name a few. Also, I was blessed to have Sachin Tendulkar as a mentor at Mumbai Indians.

“Nevertheless, though this station of “Retirement” has arrived for me bringing back all fond memories of my career. However “Davangere Express” has just stopped for a while and not derailed. It will keep running and my journey will continue to give it back to this wonderful game of cricket. And miles to go before I sleep and miles to go before I sleep,” Vinay’s statement further read.

Vinay made his Ranji Trophy debut for Karnataka in the 2004-05 season and quickly rose through the ranks to become their lead seamer. The 2007-08 season marked his arrival as he finished as the second leading wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy season – a performance that ensured a call-up to the IPL where he represented Royal Challengers Bangalore. It soon got better as the 2009-10 Ranji Trophy season saw him take 46 wickets and lead his Karnataka side to the final.