Rajasthan wicketkeeper Dishant Yagnik has decided to call it a day. The 34-year-old made this shocking announcement during Rajasthan”s game against Jharkhand in the second round of Ranji Trophy 2017-18. Yagnik made 34 runs in first innings.
Born in Banswara, Rajasthan on 22 June 1983, the left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman had a short career across all formats of the game with just 29 First-Class matches, 25 List A games and 22 T20s. He made his First-Class debut in 2002-03 for Rajasthan. In his First-Class career, he has scored 1307 runs at an average of 27 with just 1 hundred. In List, A cricket to his numbers is quite similar to the average of 26 and 1 century. In 2007 he played the controversial T20 league ICL for Delhi Giants.
Speaking about his career and retirement, the 34-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman told Sportster, “I had to draw the line somewhere, so it is necessary to stop. There is no motivation for me to play. At 34, you can”t drag yourself to the ground every day and play. So, it is important that I make way for juniors.”
“The thought of calling it quits crossed my mind after the game against Jammu and Kashmir. I have told the selectors and most likely, the ongoing match will be my last.”
he added.
He played for Rajasthan Royals from 2011 to 2015 but warmed the bench most of the times and hardly ever got an opportunity to bat. Talking about what he said, “The stint with Royals was amazing. At this age, you have to stop somewhere. You just can”t go on and on. What”s there to achieve now?”
He says he will call Dravid in a day or two to convey his gratitude. “I will call him up in a day or two, thank him for everything. His suggestions would also be important, that will help me take the next step smoothly,” Yagnik said.
– by Atharva Apte