Indian fast bowler Ankit Rajpoot, who plied his trade for the Rajasthan Royals during the Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) season, has announced a sudden retirement from Indian cricket. Notably, Rajpoot also played for some of the top IPL teams like Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2013, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2016-17 and Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in 2018-19.

In the IPL 2022 auction, he was picked up by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), although he did not get any games.

The 31-year-old Uttar Pradesh cricketer confirmed the news through a post on his official social media account on Instagram. Rajpoot also thanked the five IPL teams – CSK, KKR, RR, KXIP and LSG.

“Today, with immense gratitude and humility, I announce my retirement from Indian Cricket,” he wrote on social media.

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Ankit Rajpoot announces retirement to boost T20 career abroad

It can be assumed that Rajpoot’s retirement comes in a bid to open up the prospect of a career in foreign T20 leagues as active BCCI players are banned from participating.

Last month, former Indian fast bowler Siddharth Kaul also retired from domestic cricket. Following a similar path, Rajpoot is expected to look for opportunities in T20 leagues around the world.

Rajpoot’s retirement post also resonated the same as he added:

“I am excited to announce that I will be exploring new opportunities in the world of cricket and its business side, where I will also continue to participate in the sport I love and challenge myself in a new and different environment.”

His last appearance came during the first phase of the ongoing Ranji Trophy season for Uttar Pradesh. In the IPL, Ankit Rajpoot has taken 24 wickets in 29 matches, maintaining an average of 33.91 and an economy rate of 9.23.

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