Munaf Patel posts a 'Thank You' message for all his well wishers on Instagram

Munaf Patel earlier today called time on his cricketing career. The right arm pacer hailing from Ikhar in Gujarat decided to hang his boots from all forms of the game. The currently 35-year-old was a part of the Indian World Cup winning squad in 2011. He was India’s third highest wicket-taker in the tournament after Zaheer Khan and Yuvraj Singh.

Having made his debut in 2006 against England, his first Test wicket was Kevin Pietersen. He also went on to account for Alastair Cook later on and ended with match figures of 7/97. The bowler went on to make 86 international appearances for India and picked 125 wickets across all formats.

I am proud of what I’ve achieved, something I didn’t even dream about when I was young

He posted a farewell message on Instagram alongside a picture of him in action donning the Indian jersey. Fans took time to reflect upon his cricketing memories especially the ones in the World Cup 2011. Munaf thanked everyone right from his fans to the BCCI as well as all the IPL franchises he represented.

“It has been a great journey, the golden period of my life, last 15 years. Something I didn’t even dream about when I was a young boy in my village Ikhar. I am proud of what I have achieved. It would have not been possible without help and support from my family, friends, well-wishers and lots of fans. I will remain forever grateful for all your encouragement and support over the last 15 years.”

To win that 2011 World Cup would remain the greatest high of my life

Munaf Patel also reflected upon his fielding abilities. Not the best field ethic for an international player, he acknowledged the same. He went on to term the 2011 World Cup as the greatest moment of his career. The right arm pacer also treasured sharing the dressing room with various legendary cricketers.

“I might not have been great fielder— I know, I must have annoyed you at some point of time or other :- but be rest assured I tried my best always. I would cherish the time I spent in the dressing room with so many legends and great cricketers. To win that 2011 World Cup and to know that I did my small bit in helping our country to lift that Trophy after long time would remain the greatest high of my life.” Munaf posted on Instagram.

He further decided to invest his time in coaching young buds and looked upon continued support from his fans. Munaf also had a special message for all the youngsters. He asked them to “Dream big and work really hard: Life has a way of surprising us with rewards.” It is truly inspirational when this comes out from the small town boy who made it big.

Here’s his Instagram post

View this post on Instagram

Hello friends, I have decided to quit cricket from all formats. It has been a great journey, the golden period of my life, last 15 years, something I didn't even dream about when I was a young boy in my village Ikhar. I am proud of what I have achieved and it would have not been possible without help and support from my family, friends, well-wishers and lots of Fans. I would like to thank MRF pace foundation, The Cricket Associations of Baroda,Mumbai,Gujarat,Maharashtra and of course The Indian Cricket Board, The BCCI. I would like to thank IPL franchise Rajasthan Royal,Mumbai Indians & Gujarat Lions. I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart; I will remain forever grateful for all your encouragement and support over the last 15 years. I might not have been great fielder— I know, I must have annoyed you at some point of time or other :- but be rest assured I tried my best always. I had a great fun with my bowling, thinking and plotting out wickets and above all , I would cherish the time I spent in the dressing room with so many legends and great cricketers. To win that 2011 World Cup and to know that I did my small bit in helping our country to lift that Trophy after long time would remain the greatest high of my life. I am at peace with myself and my family in my village Ikhar and would like to contribute to the game through Coaching young Bowlers. Hopefully I will have your continued support and I wish you all happiness in your lives. To young kids, I would like to tell that dream big and work really hard: Life has a way of surprising us with rewards.

A post shared by Munafpatel (@munafpatel13) on Nov 10, 2018 at 1:08am PST