Lakshmipathy Balaji announces retirement from all forms of cricket

Former India international, Lakshmipathy Balaji has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, which also includes the ongoing second edition of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), in which the 35-year-old was a part of the defending champions Albert TUTI Patriots team. A TNPL press release also confirmed that all-rounder S. Aravind will replace Balaji in the squad.

Balaji also added that although he won’t be connected to the game as a cricketer, he will still be a part of the team’s support staff. “I have not retired; I am still part of the support staff aspect. I have not missed the game,” Balaji said. “Because the game has been pulling me and I am enjoying my game,” he added.

He played 8 Tests, 30 ODIs and 5 T20Is for India and picked up 27, 34 and 10 wickets respectively. The right-arm medium pacer has also served as the bowling coach of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders. The major teams that he played for are India, Albert TUTI Patriots, Chennai Super Kings, Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders and his state team Tamil Nadu.

The Patriots won their opening game of the season against Dindigul Dragons by 7 runs at Chennai’s M Chidambaram Stadium. They won their second game as well, which was against Ruby Trichy Warriors, by 10 wickets. In their third match, they beat the Karaikudi Kaalai by 6 wickets to remain unbeaten in the tournament thus far. They next play the Chepauk Super Gillies tomorrow at the Indian Cement Company Ground, Tirunelveli. Balaji did not play any of these games and was seen warming the bench.

Look prime candidates for their second trophy 

An eliminator and two qualifiers will decide which two teams will play the finals on August 20 at the Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. With the way Patriots are playing, they look prime candidates for the silverware. The squad boasts of some big names like Dinesh Karthik, Washington Sundar and Ashwin Crist.