Virat Kohli's U19 WC 2008 teammate Tanmay Srivastava announces retirement from all forms of the game

Uttar Pradesh’s left-handed batsman Tanmay Srivastava has abruptly decided to pull the curtains down on his cricket career of 14 years. The 30-year-old was the leading run-scorer for the Indian U19 team in 2008 WC that had emerged victorious under Virat Kohli. Tanmay had a decent career in domestic circuit as he featured in 90 first class games and 45 List A fixtures aggregating 4918 and 1728 runs respectively at an average of 34.4 and 44.3.

Srivastava also played 34 T20 games scoring 649 runs at an average of 28.2 and strike rate of 116.1. His exploits in domestic cricket didn’t go unnoticed and he was drafted by Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) for the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He was then picked by Deccan Chargers for the 2009 season.

However, the cricketer didn’t see a meteoric rise in the T20 format and featured in just 7 IPL games scoring just 8 runs. After playing for his home state Uttar Pradesh all these years, Tanmay shifted his base to Uttarakhand last year as a professional and led the side.

Tanmay Srivastava announced his retirement from the game on October 24, Saturday via his official Twitter handle. Giving a detailed statement, Tanmay wrote, “I have decided to hang my boots and call it a day as I announce my retirement from all formats of domestic cricket. From now on, I will only play for my company ONGC. Cricket has given me all that I am today. It has given me life’s greatest lessons and some amazing mentors, coaches, teammates and friends.”

Throughout my career, my mom and dad have been my pillars of support: Tanmay Srivastava

Further, he reflected on his cricket journey from being an 11-year-old who joined the Green Park cricket hostel to representing India at the age of 13 in the Under-15 team. The former cricketer labelled being part of the U19 World Cup-winning squad in 2008 as the most blessed moment of his life. He also thanked the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association for their constant support and making him reach where he is today.

“I have had some very good memories on and off the field. As a child, when my father took me to the stadium, many a times I was injured and couldn’t play. He always told me that there will be many moments like these in life when you will face a fall. They must not make you weak but motivate you to come back stronger.

Tanmay concluded his retirement note by thanking his coaches, selectors and all the other people involved for supporting him throughout his career, irrespective of his ups and downs.

“Throughout my career, my mom and dad have been my pillars of support and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. A special thanks to my family, extended family and friends who are family, for always being there for me. Last, but not the least, a warm thank you to my wife Reetika, who has not only supported me through thick and thin, but also given me the most blunt but right comments and advice that no one else could have.” Tanmay stated.

It’s time to bid adeu to my cricketing playing career! I’ve built memories, made friends, achieved the best I could in these years playing Junior Cricket, Ranji Trophy and most importantly being a good performer in U-19 World Cup,2008 and bringing the cup home with the team!! pic.twitter.com/gYCvPGNV5g

— Tanmay Srivastava (@srivastavtanmay) October 24, 2020