Ankit Rajpoot Bids Farewell to Indian Cricket

Ankit Rajpoot, the seasoned fast bowler from Uttar Pradesh, has officially retired from Indian cricket, marking the end of a remarkable journey on the field. His announcement comes after a career spanning over a decade, with his most recent appearance being in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season. Unfortunately, his final outings were unfruitful, as he went wicketless in two matches.

Rajpoot’s cricketing career began in the 2012-2013 Ranji Trophy season, where he showcased his prowess with the ball, eventually amassing 248 wickets in 80 first-class matches at an average of 29.25. In List A cricket, he scalped 71 wickets in 50 matches with a 26.94 average, while in T20s, he bagged 105 wickets across 87 games, maintaining an economy rate of 7.75 and an average of 21.55.

His IPL journey saw him don the jerseys of Chennai Super Kings (2013), Kolkata Knight Riders (2016-17), Kings XI Punjab (2018-19), and Rajasthan Royals (2020). Across 29 matches, he claimed 24 wickets at an average of 33.91 and an economy rate of 9.23. While he was part of the Lucknow Super Giants in 2022, he didn’t feature in any matches.

Expressing his gratitude in a heartfelt social media post: "Today, with immense gratitude & humility, I announce my retirement from Indian Cricket. My journey from 2009-2024 has been the most wonderful period of my life. I am grateful for the opportunities given to me by the Board of Control for India, Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association, Kanpur Cricket Association, IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Kings 11, Rajasthan Royals, and Lucknow Super Giants."

He extended special thanks to his teammates, coaches, and support staff, including Dr. Saif Naqvi and coach Shashi Sir, for helping him turn his dreams into reality.

Rajpoot also expressed his deep appreciation for his fans, who stood by him through both triumphs and challenges, noting their unwavering support as a constant source of motivation. He credited his family and friends as the foundation of his success, pinpointing their unconditional love and encouragement throughout his journey.

Looking ahead, Rajpoot revealed plans to explore new horizons within cricket, particularly on the business side of the sport, while continuing to stay connected to the game he loves. He expressed excitement about the challenges awaiting him in this fresh phase, calling it the natural progression of his journey. Wishing the best for his former teammates, he signed off with optimism for the road ahead.

Ankit Rajpoot’s retirement marks the close of a significant chapter in Indian cricket, but his legacy and contributions to the game will undoubtedly inspire many.