RP Singh announces retirement exactly 13 years after India debut

Sep 4 (AZINS) RP Singh, who won the T20 World Cup in 2007 with India, has announced his decision to retire from all forms of cricket. The pace bowler played 58 ODIs, 14 Tests and 10 T20Is for India between 2005 and 2011.

In 48 ODIs, he claimed 69 wickets with a best of 4/35. In 14 Tests, he took 40 wickets with a best of 5/59 while in T20Is he had 15 wickets with 4/13 his best returns.

He also won the Purple Cap in IPL 2009 with 23 wickets for Deccan Chargers helping them win the title in South Africa.

RP Singh announced his decision to retire exactly 13 years after he made his India debut in an ODI in Zimbabwe.

“13 years ago today, on 4th September 2005 was the first time I donned the Indian jersey. It was the stepping-stone to what would become the most cherished moments of my life. Today, as I hang my boots and call it a day I wish to remember and give thanks to each and everyone who made this journey possible,” he wrote in an emotional note posted from his official Twitter handle.

“For someone born in a small village, I never thought I would be able to say this – I have lived my dream. And for that I have nobody else to thank but you. My fans. For believing in me. for criticizing me and for hailing me but mainly for just being there for me. Thank you!”

Singh, who hails from hails from Rai Bareli in Uttar Pradesh, broke into the Indian ODI team in 2005 on Zimbabwe tour. He played his first Test match in January 2006 against Pakistan – picking up five wickets on debut.

Singh was important part of the Indian team that won the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa in 2007. RP took 12 wickets in six games and was star of India's win against South Africa.