Former Indian cricketer Hrishikesh Kanitkar announces retirement from cricket

Former Indian cricketer Hrishikesh Kanitkar announces retirement from cricket: Hrishikesh Kanitkar, who last featured in a first-class game more than 18 months ago, has formally retired from cricket. He communicated his decision to the BCCI on Wednesday the 1st of June 2015.

Kanitkar told ESPNcricinfo, “The passion for batting was still there but the motivation to be on the ground fielding for long stretches of time, even in a match, didn’t really exist, “I didn’t want fielding to be a formality. If I am not able to give as much as a youngster is giving in the field, then I shouldn’t be pushing myself for a place in a side, so I took the call.”

Kanitkar’s career had been hindered by nagging injuries throughout and that is what had forced him out of the competition in the domestic league for the past two seasons. Rajasthan, the last of the three domestic teams he played for, had offered him to join them days before the last domestic season but the batsman couldn’t join them since he wasn’t fit enough for first-class cricket.

Kanitkar notwithstanding him losing his place in the Indian team in 2000, has been an epitome of hardwork and the pinnacle of consistency in his stint at the Domestic league.

“Coaching is something I am very keen on. If I get an opportunity to work with teams, it would be a great learning experience,” he said. “I will also be keen to work as a cricket analyst in the media. These are the two things are on my agenda. It’s like after being a doctor for twenty years, you want to be a consultant after that. You can’t just turn the back on something that you have loved all your life.”

Kanitkar featured in two Tests and 34 ODIs for India, his four off Saqlain Mushtaq to seal a famous victory in the Independence Cup final was the defining moment of his brief stint in international cricket.

“I have had a great time. So many ups and down, but ups have been more than downs. I would like to especially thank the BCCI and all the state associations I played for – my home state Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. It’s been a great life so far as a player. I am sure it will transform into a great life as a coach, as a commentator – whatever comes along.” Kanitkar said.

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