Rudra Pratap Singh, the former India paceman, announced his retirement from all forms of the game on Tuesday, September 4, exactly 13 years after he made his international debut in an ODI against Zimbabwe.
He wrote on Twitter: “13 years ago, 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.
“Even as I write this, there are conflicting emotions inside me. No matter how much one prepares for the day, there is no easy way to bid goodbye. But somewhere inside there is the voice that tells you – it’s time.
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) September 4, 2018
“And that for me is today. My heart and soul will always belong to that young boy who (Test) 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 way for the young.”
The 32-year-old featured in 14 Tests, 58 ODIs and 10 T20Is for India, picking up a total of 124 international wickets.
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Singh was India’s highest wicket-taker in their victorious World T20 2007 campaign, scalping 12 wickets in just seven games, including match-winning figures of 4-13 in India’s knockout game against South Africa.
The highlight of his career, however, was at Lord’s in 2007, when India held England to a draw and the seamer clinched seven wickets in the game. India went on to win the series 1-0. He also returned six wickets against Australia in Perth in 2008, in what was another famous overseas victory.
My first Indian shirt signed by all my teammates back then. My cricketing journey has been nothing short of a dream. I’d like to thank everyone who supported me in my journey. ? pic.twitter.com/EpkWoYSmVR
— R P Singh (@rpsingh) September 4, 2018
His final international appearance came in an ODI against England in Cardiff in 2011, where he bowled a seven-over spell with figures of 1-51.
The left-arm pacer continued playing domestic cricket for Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, and ended with 301 first-class wickets in 94 matches.
He also represented Deccan Chargers, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rising Pune Supergiant in the Indian Premier League.
