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Sunil Joshi announces retirement from all forms of cricket. posted under: India | All news |
 India’s former left-arm spinner Sunil Joshi has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. The Karnataka bowler, who played for the nation between 1996 and 2001, was good with the bat as well, but an excellent bowler no doubt.
In a press conference, the 42-year-old spoke to the media about his retirement and future plans.
“Definitely my heart is here,” he said.
“You need couple of years take up the job of coaching the home state so that the players will understand (me as a coach). Taking up coaching job soon after retirement will be a stumbling block where the players wouldn't be free to interact with the coach.”
He added that he had coached Hyderabad last year and would join the Karnataka side this year as their coach.
Joshi has represented the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2008 and 2009 seasons of the Indian Premiere League (IPL) and was under contract till 2010. Having played for Karnataka at state level throughout his career, the Ranji season of 1995-96 was his most impressive, where he got 50 wickets and scored an impressive 500 runs as well.
The 1998-99 Ranji final against Madhya Pradesh was the most cherished cricket moment of his life, Joshi said, adding that the rivals had taken the first innings lead and needed a draw to win the title but collapsed in the final session of the last day to lose with five overs to spare.
“Vijay Bhardwaj made history for Karnataka. His form in the 1998-99 domestic season when he scored 1,463 runs and grabbed 21 crucial wickets to help Karnataka defeat Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji final,” he added.
His most famous bowling performance though, came in an ODI against South Africa in the LG Cup of 1999, where his figures spoke for themselves: 10-6-6-5. This achievement was rated the 7th best ODI bowling spell in the Wisden 100, 3 years later.
He also played briefly for the Bedfordshire County Cricket Club in 2004.
Joshi, who as a 15 year-old, travelled 56 km from his town Gadag to Hubli every day for cricket practice, was praised by some of the biggest names in Indian cricket, including legendary spinner Anil Kumble, who said Joshi was a role model to young players and that his contribution to Karnataka cricket was invaluable. Former speedster Venkatesh Prasad was all praises for Joshi and said that not only was he a great bowler, he was a great cook as well!!
“The Wall” Rahul Dravid and former India fast-bowler Javagal Srinath also hailed Joshi’s accomplishments and contribution to cricket and wished him the best in his future endeavors.
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