Former CSK and RR Pacer Ankit Rajpoot Retires from Indian Cricket: A New Chapter Begins
Ankit Rajpoot retires from Indian cricket at 31, ready to explore global franchise leagues and the business side of cricket.
Ankit Rajpoot, the tall fast bowler from Uttar Pradesh, has announced his retirement from Indian cricket at the age of 31. He is now ready to explore new opportunities in the world of cricket. After a career spanning over a decade, Rajpoot has decided to move on to the business side of the sport.
Ankit Rajpoot’s Journey in Indian Cricket
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Ankit Rajpoot started his professional cricket journey in 2012. He made his debut in the Ranji Trophy for Uttar Pradesh. In his 80 first-class (FC) matches, he took 248 wickets with an impressive average of 29.25. His performances included nine five-wicket hauls. In List-A cricket, Rajpoot played 50 matches, grabbing 71 wickets. He also played 87 T20 matches and collected 105 wickets, showing his ability in all formats of the game.
Rajpoot’s IPL career saw him play for four franchises. He started with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2013, moved to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2016-17, Kings XI Punjab in 2018-19, and finally, Rajasthan Royals (RR) in 2020. In 29 IPL games, he took 26 wickets, with his best performance being 5/14. Although he was part of Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2022, he didn’t get a chance to play. In the recent mega auction, Rajpoot went unsold.
| Format | Matches Played | Wickets Taken |
|---|---|---|
| First-Class (FC) | 80 | 248 |
| List-A | 50 | 71 |
| T20 | 87 | 105 |
| IPL | 29 | 26 |
Reasons Behind Retirement
Rajpoot took to social media to express his gratitude for his cricket journey from 2009 to 2024. He thanked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association, and Kanpur Cricket Association for giving him the opportunities. He also expressed thanks to the IPL franchises—CSK, KKR, Kings XI Punjab, Rajasthan Royals, and Lucknow Super Giants.
He also thanked his teammates, coaches, and the support staff, especially physio Dr. Saif Naqvi and coach Shashi Sir, who helped him throughout his career. Rajpoot shared how their constant support made his dream come true. He was also grateful to his fans, who stood by him during his ups and downs.
Next Steps for Ankit Rajpoot
Ankit Rajpoot now plans to take his skills to the international level by participating in overseas franchise leagues. His retirement from Indian cricket makes him eligible to play in these leagues, as well as in the Legends League. Rajpoot is excited to start a new chapter in his life, where he will continue to be involved in cricket but in different roles.
He wrote that he is ready to challenge himself in a new environment and explore the business side of cricket. Rajpoot’s statement reflects his desire to grow beyond his playing career and to continue making an impact in the world of sports.
Conclusion
Ankit Rajpoot’s decision to retire marks the end of an important chapter in Indian cricket. His contributions to both domestic and IPL cricket will be remembered. Now, as he embarks on his new journey, fans and the cricketing world will look forward to seeing what he does next.
Rajpoot’s story is a reminder of how cricket continues to evolve, and players like him show that the love for the game doesn’t end with retirement. Instead, it opens doors to new and exciting possibilities.
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