India seamer Praveen Kumar has decided to retire from all forms of cricket on Saturday. After a career spanning nearly 11 years, he took to Twitter to make his decision public via a post on his official handle.
"It's been a great journey. It's been a great life. With a heavy heart I want to say gud bye to my 1st love #CricketMeriJaan But the test cap no 268 nd ODI 170 will be mine till indian cricket era will continue... Thankyou @BCCI nd @UPCACricket for helping me to live up my drea," Praveen wrote on his post on Twitter.
The right-arm pacer played six Tests, 68 ODIs and 10 T20Is for India. He made his limited-overs debut against Pakistan in 2007. Praveen last played in international match for India against South Africa in Johannesburg on March 30, 2012, which was a T20 international.
"I have no regrets. Dil sey khela, dil sey bowling daala (I played and bowled with my heart). There are good bowlers waiting in the wings back in UP and I don't want their careers to be affected. Mein kheloonga toh ek ka jagah jayega, (If I play, one spot would go); it's important to think of other players' future as well. My time is over and I have accepted it. I'm happy and thankful to god for giving me this chance," Praveen told The Indian Express.
Post retirement, Praveen now wants to be a bowling coach and pass on his knowledge to younger kids.
“I want to become a bowling coach. People know that I have this knowledge. I think it’s a area which I can work dil se, I can pass on this experience to the young ones,” he added.