|| Desk Report ||

Rudra Pratap Singh, who was an integral part of India’s World T20-winning squad in 2007, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Tuesday (September 4). He made this announcement on his official Twitter handle.

Singh wrote: “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 every one 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.

“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 way for the young.”

He made his debut in Faisalabad against Pakistan on September 4 in 2005, exactly 13 years before his retirement, and incidentally emerged as the Man of the Match in that encounter.

Singh starred in the 2007 World T20-winning campaign, as he scalped 12 wickets from seven matches. He even notched the ‘Purple Cap’ in the 2009 edition of IPL, which is awarded to the highest wicket-taker of the tournament.

He notched 124 scalps in 82 international matches, which also included 14 Test Matches. In 2007, his name was registered in the honors board of the Lord’s Cricket Ground, for having taken a five-wicket haul during India’s tour of England.