Former Chennai Super Kings cricketer Yo Mahesh has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Sunday (December 20). The 32-year-old played 50 first-class matches, 61 List A and 46 T20 games during his career which kicked off in 2006.
Mahesh made his first-class debut in 2006 against Bengal but his breakthrough year came in 2008 when he bagged 16 wickets for Delhi Daredevils (now known as Delhi Capitals) in the opening season of IPL. However, Yo Mahesh struggled for consistency and only managed to pick five wickets in the next seven games across the next three seasons.
Yo Mahesh made his debut in 2006
He last played T20 during last year and the all-rounder featured in 18 Indian Premier League games for Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Daredevils. Yo Mahesh thanked BCCI for giving him the opportunity to represent India U-19 and India A and is happy to bid farewell to the game at the peak of his career.
“At the outset, thanks to BCCI for the opportunity to represent India at the Under-19 level and the India A level. It’s been an honour and with utmost pride, I call it the highest point in my career, Yo Mahesh said in his statement.
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Adding further, Yo Mahesh also thanked Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Daredevils for giving him the opportunity to play in the IPL and Tamil Nadu Cricket Association for nurturing him from the age of 14. Incidentally, Mahesh has struggled with injuries in the last five years which took a toll on his game and didn’t look in his best strides which forced him to take this call.
“To my two IPL franchises, DD and CSK, for having faith in me to represent them and for giving me an opportunity to share the dressing room with the legends of the game. The last five years have been injury-ridden but I am grateful to India Cements for being solid and having my back. I would like to thank my state cricket Tamil Nadu Cricket Association for nurturing me from the age of 14 and finishing with 12 years of first-class cricket,” the statement said.
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