(AFP Photo)
Left-arm fast bowler Barinder Sran, who featured in six ODIs and two T20Is for India in 2016, has announced his retirement from all formats of cricket. Over his career, he took 13 wickets while playing for India in both white-ball formats.
“As I embark on this new chapter, I carry immense gratitude for the opportunities that cricket has afforded me. Lastly, as the saying goes, “Just like the sky, dreams have no limits”, so keep dreaming,” wrote Sran on his Instagram account.
“As I officially hang up my cricket boots, I look back at my journey with a heart full of gratitude. Since switching from boxing in 2009, cricket has gifted me innumerable and incredible experiences. Fast bowling soon became my lucky charm and opened doors to represent prestigious IPL franchises, ultimately culminating in the highest honour of representing India in 2016.”
“Even though my international career was brief, the memories created will be forever cherished. I am eternally grateful to the almighty for getting me the right coaches and management, who have supported me throughout my journey.”
Sran played for several teams in the Indian Premier League, including Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians (where he was part of the 2019 championship-winning squad), and Sunrisers Hyderabad. He collected 18 wickets in 24 matches, with an economy rate of 9.40. Before turning to cricket, he was a boxer at the Bhiwani Boxing Club, which also produced 2008 Beijing Olympics bronze medalist Vijender Singh.
An advertisement by Punjab Kings seeking young talent led him to cricket and fast bowling. He subsequently won the India Under-19 segment of the Gatorade Speedster competition, which earned him a training opportunity at the ICC Academy in Dubai.
From that point, he advanced through the ranks, overcoming injuries to play domestic cricket for Punjab and later Chandigarh, as well as in the IPL and for India.
