Pankaj Singh signs up with Puducherry for one season

Former Rajasthan team captain and premier bowler Pankaj Singh has signed up with Ranji Trophy debutants Puducherry for the upcoming domestic season. The 33-year-old cricketer who has played two Tests and an ODI for India signed the agreement with the Cricket Association of Puducherry on Wednesday, August 22, and is eager to join the new team.

Puducherry has also inked contracts with Mumbai’s Abhishek Nayar and Himachal Pradesh’s Paras Dogra. Singh, their third hire this season, will be in for a year. He has represented Rajasthan for 14 years and last appeared in a first-class match in November 2017 against Gujarat. He went wicketless in that game which Rajasthan lost by an innings and 107 runs. Singh said he took the decision to make way for youngsters.

“There are many young bowlers in the state and I did not want to block their way. Now, some of them will get more exposure,” Sportstar quoted him as saying.

Pankaj disappointed for being overlooked

Sources who know him closely, however, are of the opinion that the bowler was disappointed that despite doing consistently well for Rajasthan, he was overlooked for national selection.

“To be honest, I know that the chances of playing for India are very bleak now. So, I want to prove my mettle here for a new team. This way, I can even inspire a few youngsters,” Pankaj was quoted as saying.

He played his only ODI for India against Sri Lanka in 2010, failing to get any wicket. He made his Test debut in 2014 when India toured England. The right-arm medium fast bowler played just two Tests – both in that series that India lost 1-3 and could manage only two scalps at an average of 146.

Singh took part in trials for Rajasthan team last week though he has been thinking about the change for a while. He said he didn’t want to create an obstacle for any youngster by blocking a place in the team. Pankaj, however, hasn’t ruled out the possibility of returning to Rajasthan next season and would love to retire from the team he has served so long.

For all the latest cricket news and other updates follow CricTracker.