Priyank Panchal is walking away from first-class cricket. The 35-year-old Indian batsman has announced his retirement. He played for Gujarat and West Zone.
Panchal was picked for the Indian team in 2021. He went to South Africa as a replacement for Rohit Sharma, who got hurt. But Panchal never got to play his first game for India.
In first-class cricket, Panchal scored over 8,800 runs in 127 matches. He hit 29 centuries and 34 half-centuries. He also took 16 wickets.
His Career
Panchal played over 250 domestic matches. He scored 3,672 runs in 97 List A games, with 8 centuries and 21 half-centuries. In 59 T20 matches, he scored 1,522 runs.
Panchal said goodbye to first-class cricket with a heartfelt post on social media. He talked about his dad, who inspired him to play cricket. His dad is no longer alive, but Panchal said he always wanted to make him proud.
Panchal’s decision comes as the Indian cricket team gets ready to play a 5-match Test series in England. The team will be led by Shubman Gill, who is just starting out as captain.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the squad for the series. Rohit Sharma has already retired from Test cricket. Now, Panchal is leaving first-class cricket too.
Panchal’s Stats
- First-class cricket: 8,856 runs, 29 centuries, 34 half-centuries, 16 wickets
- List A cricket: 3,672 runs, 8 centuries, 21 half-centuries
- T20 cricket: 1,522 runs
Panchal’s retirement is a big deal for Indian cricket fans. He may not have played for India, but he had a great domestic career. Now, he’s moving on to the next chapter of his life.