Kedar Jadhav, the versatile Indian cricketer known for his explosive batting and handy off-spin, has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. The 38-year-old took to his social media accounts to convey his decision, marking the end of an eventful career that spanned over a decade.
Journey in International Cricket
Jadhav made his international debut for India in June 2014 in an ODI against Bangladesh. Over the years, he played 73 ODIs, amassing 1,389 runs at an impressive average of 42.09. His ODI career highlights include six half-centuries and two centuries. Jadhav’s last appearance in an international match for India was on February 8, 2020.
In the T20I format, Jadhav’s opportunities were limited. He featured in only nine games, scoring 122 runs at an average of 20.33, with a top score of 58. Despite his brief T20I career, he was recognized for his ability to change the game with his explosive batting. Jadhav also contributed significantly with the ball, especially in ODIs. His unconventional off-spin proved effective in the middle overs, where he picked up 27 wickets. His bowling added depth to his profile as a valuable all-rounder for the team.
Jadhav was a prominent figure in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL). Known for his aggressive batting in the domestic circuit, he was drafted into the Delhi Daredevils squad for the IPL in 2008-09. He made an immediate impact with a blistering 50 off 29 balls.
In 2016, Jadhav was signed by the Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he continued to showcase his prowess. One of his notable international innings came against Zimbabwe in 2015, where he scored a magnificent century. He was a crucial part of India’s squad during the five-match ODI series against New Zealand in 2016 and the Champions Trophy in 2017.
Struggles and Retirement
Despite his contributions, Jadhav found himself out of favour with the selectors as newer talents like Suryakumar Yadav and Axar Patel emerged. With the influx of younger players, opportunities dwindled for the seasoned cricketer. Acknowledging this shift, Jadhav decided to step away from the game.
In his retirement announcement on Instagram, Jadhav wrote, “Thank you all for your love and support throughout my career. From 1500 hrs today, consider me retired from all forms of cricket.”
Kedar Jadhav’s career may have had its ups and downs, but his impact on Indian cricket is undeniable. His ability to deliver under pressure, both with the bat and the ball, earned him a place in the hearts of cricket fans. As he steps away from professional cricket, Jadhav leaves behind a legacy of resilience and versatility.
Jadhav’s journey from a domestic circuit star to an integral part of the Indian national team inspiresinspires many young cricketers. Although his retirement marks the end of an era, his contributions to the sport will be remembered for years to come.
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