Naman Ojha announces retirement

Naman Ojha, the India wicketkeeper-batsman, announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket on Monday (February 15). The 37-year-old represented India across all three formats, playing one Test, one ODI and two T20Is. While all his limited-overs internationals were played in 2010 during India's tour of Zimbabwe, his only Test appearance came in 2015, against Sri Lanka, in Colombo.

A stalwart for Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket, Ojha's first-class career spanned 20 seasons, through the course of which he also went on to register most dismissals behind the stumps in Ranji Trophy. He played 146 first-class games, scoring 9753 runs at an average of 41.67, scoring 22 centuries, 55 fifties and a highest of 219*. He also featured in 143 List A games and 182 T20s, which included 113 IPL appearances - for Delhi Daredevils, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Ojha's 189-run stand for the second wicket with David Warner, in 2012, is till date the highest partnership for any wicket by the Delhi franchise as also the fifth highest in IPL history. Ojha's last appearance though came in 2018, playing for Delhi Capitals against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Despite giving up the gloves, Ojha's batting form in the last few seasons dipped in domestic cricket, and as a result, he didn't feature regularly for the side in any of the competitions in the ongoing season.

"After 20 years in first-class cricket and many more during the junior competitions, I feel it's time for me to move on. It was a long journey and wonderful phase of my life," Ojha said on Monday. "I am grateful to all who supported me in achieving dream of playing for my country and state - my coaches, trainers, physios and selectors, my captains and teammates, my family and well wishers, and MPCA & BCCI.

"In a short time, I can not single out the individual efforts but everyone who has helped me - right from inculcating love and passion for the game, coaching me throughout different stages of career, counselling and guiding me in tough times, and all contributions just to push me and make me a better player on each day of my career.

"I was very fortunate to play alongside many legends of cricket - in my State team as well as whenever I played for India or the IPL. The list will be too long to write but I cannot forget them ever - each and every person - for their guidance, motivation, camaraderie, and constant support to me.

"I cannot miss to mention the support of my parents, wife, relatives, and friends. Their role in shaping my career in cricket as also my character as a human being is priceless. I realise the sacrifices on their part, the challenges they countered just to help me focus on cricket. I am indebted to each one of them for their good deeds and hard work for me. The Role of MPCA, BCCI, my cricket clubs, and media in my life is very significant. I am very fortunate to receive support from everyone through out my career. I express my sincere thanks to all.

"I have had a wonderful time on field. My unfulfilled dream of winning Ranji Trophy for my state shall pinch me forever. But I see great potential in new generation cricketers who can achieve this with triumphant performances. I wish them the best to take forward the game with ethics, dignity, diligence, commitment, pride, and most important - sportsmanship.

"While I leave the competitive format of game for my State and Country with best of memories, I shall be keen to wear the gloves and face the ball in global competitions. Cricket has given me best of almost everything in my life till date. In future, I shall strive hard to return back to this beautiful game to the best of my abilities."

With only a few years remaining in his professional career, Ojha is now looking for opportunities to play in the foreign T20 leagues.