RP Singh announces retirement 13 years after making international debut

Former Indian pacer RP Singh on September 4, announced retirement from all forms of cricket with immediate effect. The 32-year-old last played a competitive game in January 2017 which was a Ranji Trophy match for Gujarat against Mumbai. He had made his international debut 13 years ago on September 4, 2005, and thus chose the same day to call it time.

He was a genuine swing bowler who also had the kilometres in his bowling. One of his key spells in Test cricket was the five-wicket haul at Lord’s that helped the Indian team grab a victory on the 2007 tour of England. The left-arm pacer played 14 Tests 58 ODIs and 10 T20Is for India. In his international career, he scalped 40 Test wickets, 69 ODI wickets and 15 in T20Is. It was one of the highest points in his career when RP was the premier bowler in the team that won the World T20 2007 in South Africa.

RP was also a successful bowler in IPL cricket and ended up representing five teams across seven seasons. He played the first five seasons and then out of nowhere in 2016 represented Rising Pune Supergiant, he featured in 4 games which took his overall tally to 82 matches during which he picked 90 wickets.

13 years ago today

In his statement, the pacer said: “13 years ago today, on 4th September 2005 was the first time I donned the Indian Jersey. It was the stepping-stone to what would become the most cherished moments of my life. Today, as I hang my boots and call it a day I wish to remember and give thanks to each and everyone who made this journey possible.

To Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association, for giving me the break and nurturing me through the years. To BCCI, for giving me a platform to achieve my dreams. To Gujarat Cricket Association, for believing I still had it in me. To the coaches and support staff who made getting out there possible. To my teammates with whom I have had the privilege to share the dressing room with. To the media for keeping me in the news for the good and the bad. To my parents and sisters for the innumerable sacrifices they have made for me. To my friends for believing in me more than I believed in myself. And finally to my wife, Devanshi and my daughter. Ira Aarya for being my hope and strength.

Even as I write this, there are confiding emotions inside me. No matter how much one prepares for this day, there is no easy may to bid goodbye. But somewhere inside there is that voice that tells you — it’s time. And that for me is today. My heart and soul will always belong to that young boy who debuted at Faisalabad, Pakistan, who wanted nothing more but to feel the leather in his hand and keep playing but my body reminds me I am an old man who needs to make may for the young.

Thirteen years ago, even if God had granted me a wish, I wouldn’t have been able to ask for all that I have achieved till today.

For someone born in a small village, I never thought I would be able to say this – I have lived my dream. And for that I have nobody else to thank but you. My fans. For believing in me. for criticizing me and for hailing me but mainly for just being there for me. Thank you!”

For all the latest cricket news and other updates follow CricTracker.