parthiv patel
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Parthiv Patel, 35, announces retirement today, from all forms of cricket

Wicket-keeper-batsman Parthiv Patel, 35, on Wednesday announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.

“Today, I announce my retirement from all forms of cricket, and as I bring down the curtains on my 18-year-long career, I feel heavier with gratitude towards many. The BCCI showed a generous amount of confidence and faith in a 17-year-old boy to play for India,” tweeted Patel.

Parthiv Patel also thanked all the captains he played under. “I’m especially indebted to Dada, my first captain, who showed immense faith in me,” he said.

Parthiv Patel had made his debut in 2002 against England at Trent Bridge, at the age of 17, becoming Test cricket’s youngest wicket-keeper at the time. The wicket-keeper was the frontline choice in the longest format for a couple of years, but with MS Dhoni emerging in international cricket, Parthiv ended up losing his spot.

In 2016, Parthiv made his comeback in the Test series against England as a replacement for the then injured Wriddhiman Saha. As a result, Parthiv played his first Test in eight years.

Parthiv played 25 Tests, 2 T20Is, and 38 ODIs for India, managing to score 1,706 runs across all formats.

The wicket-keeper batsman has also represented Chennai Super Kings, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League. In domestic cricket, Parthiv had led Gujarat in the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy. Under his leadership, Gujarat managed to win its first Ranji Trophy title after defeating Mumbai in the finals.