New Delhi, Feb 26 (UNI) Veteran Indian pacer Vinay Kumar on Friday announced his retirement from international and first-class cricket after 17 years in the arena.
The 37-year-old Kumar played one Test, 31 ODIs and 9 T20 Internationals for India. His last ODI came at his home ground in Bengaluru where Rohit Sharma smashed 209 in India's series-sealing 57-run win.
Kumar in a statement on twitter said that he has been lucky to play alongside the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli in his career.
'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,' the pacer said in the statement.
'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,' he added.
While Kumar had a short international career, he had a stellar domestic career with Karnataka and Puducherry. He picked 504 wickets in first-class cricket at an average of 22.44 from 139 matches.
The pacer also led Karnataka to successive Ranji Trophy titles in 2013-14 and 2014-15. He also led the side to Vijay Hazare titles in those two years and the Irani Cup title. In 2019, he joined Puducherry as a professional player for a one-year stint.
Kumar played for for Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore during his 11 seasons of Indian Premier League.
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