Latest news with #PriyankPanchal
The Hindu
5 hours ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Sunil Gavaskar: Priyank Panchal didn't get the India cap, but that doesn't make his contribution to Indian cricket any less
This year's Indian Premier League (IPL) saw a new champion. Two long-suffering teams — Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings — battled for the title in the best T20 league in the world. In the end, RCB came out on top, ending an 18-year wait. That said, this column carries great pleasure and quite a bit of sadness about the retirement of one of Indian cricket's wonderful servants. It is a great pleasure to recognise his contribution to our beloved game, and sadness because we won't see him play again in his favourite whites. Priyank Panchal, the former Gujarat captain, made the tough call to quit Ranji Trophy cricket after serving his State for almost two decades. He was part of the Ranji Trophy-winning Gujarat team, but if there's one regret he has, it would be that he didn't get the India cap. He came close to it on a couple of occasions but didn't have the good fortune to get it. That doesn't make his contribution to Indian cricket any less than those who have played for India. Sometimes it's just the misfortune of having been born at the same time as some others who were selected ahead of him and did well enough never to allow him to replace them. From time immemorial, this has been the case in not just Indian cricket but world cricket, where some very good players have missed out on their country's cap. Look at Rajinder Goel and Padmakar Shivalkar. They would have been certainties in most other countries' Test teams, but with the four great spinners in Bishan Singh Bedi, Erapalli Prasanna, BS Chandrasekhar, and S. Venkataraghavan around, they couldn't get a look-in even once. Similarly, when the Fab Five batters of Indian cricket were around, many heavy run-scorers in Ranji Trophy cricket couldn't find a place in the team. Who could replace Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, and V.V.S Laxman when they were in their pomp? So, Panchal also missed out despite scoring consistently in the domestic circuit. Apart from not getting the India cap, he also wouldn't have much to show in his bank balance, despite spending the better part of his youth trying to make a career and a living out of the game. It is here that the lopsided nature of remuneration for other domestic tournaments and that of the IPL, another domestic tournament, stands out. It's doubtful if, after playing for two decades in all kinds of weather conditions all over the country, including the bitter cold in the North of India and extreme heat elsewhere, and also amid rains sometimes, Panchal has made even Rs. 3 crore in Ranji Trophy fees. Compare this with uncapped players in the IPL who make Rs. 3 crore-plus a season and often do not even play a single game. The argument that it is market forces is not really valid, for more often than not, it is sheer good fortune as some franchises want to take a punt with young talent. Have a look at the uncapped crorepatis throughout the IPL, and you will find that very few have gone on to do big things for India. It's their good luck that has made them the crores that they actually don't deserve. Make no mistake, it is not their fault if franchises splurge on them, but then when you see somebody like Panchal spend his whole youth playing the game in all conditions as stated above, and then not even finish with half the amount that some uncapped youngster gets, it makes others also wonder whether it's worth playing in the national tournament, the Ranji Trophy. The BCCI has increased the match fees in recent times, and that's very good, but if they add the slab system of fees whereby those who play more matches get more, then that would make more players turn up for the Ranji Trophy instead of feigning injury just a month or so before the IPL starts, so that they don't get injured and miss out on the IPL. If the BCCI can also increase the match fees for the teams that reach the knockouts, then that also would be a great incentive for the players to keep playing further, instead of withdrawing in fear of injury before the IPL. Money is not the issue for the BCCI and its affiliated units, so hopefully, these suggestions will be considered before the new domestic season starts. For now, congratulations to RCB and all the best to our boys as they take on England in what promises to be a tough series.
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
I would love to mentor young cricketers now: Priyank Panchal
Priyank Panchal Former Team Gujarat skipper Priyank Panchal , who announced his retirement from first-class cricket on Monday evening, says, 'It was a practical decision.' The 35-year-old batter, who has also captained India A in the past, adds, 'It (retirement) was on my mind for a while. I could have easily played for another two or three years. However, as a professional cricketer, my biggest dream was to play for India and realistically, I didn't think that was going to happen. So, I felt there was no point in playing just for the sake of it if the hunger (to succeed) at the highest level is no longer there.' 'I will continue to contribute to cricket' So, what does he plan to do next? Priyank says, 'For now, I just want to process this phase. I have a couple of things in mind, but I will start working on that later.' However, he adds, 'I will continue to contribute to cricket. I would love to mentor young cricketers because given how competitive the game has become, it is important to have a mentor who can guide you properly. Many talented youngsters don't have clarity about what they need to do to reach a higher level. I would be very happy if I can help them achieve their dreams.' 'My journey was full of challenges, but I enjoyed it' With 8856 runs in 127 matches, including 29 centuries, Priyank finished as Team Gujarat's second-highest run-scorer in first-class cricket. The classy innings of 148 against Kerala in February ( Ranji Trophy semi-final) will remain his last first-class innings. In 2021-22, he was even selected in Team India as Rohit Sharma's replacement for the South Africa tour, but did not find a place in the playing XI. Does he have any regrets? Priyank, who won all domestic tournaments with Team Gujarat (Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2014-15, Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2015-16 and Ranji Trophy in 2016-17, where he scored 1310 runs, including a career-best 314 against Punjab), says, 'My journey has been full of challenges and sacrifices because first-class cricket requires a lot of hard work. But I enjoyed that grind. Being a part of the Gujarat dressing room taught me discipline, how to stay positive even during tough times, and how to stay calm under pressure. These important life lessons have helped me in all aspects. I may not have played for India, but captaining India A against international teams was a very proud moment.' 'My school and employers have supported me a lot' Reflecting on the journey, Priyank says, 'For me, everything started at school (Hiramani School, Ahmedabad) and some of the teachers, like Jani sir and Brahmbhatt sir, played a huge role in shaping my dreams as a cricketer. Later, my employers (Income Tax Department) also supported me immensely and the job gave me stability.' He adds, 'I think the turning point in my career came when I started scoring big in local matches. Once, I scored a double century and that gave me the belief that I could do this at the highest level too.' 'I am grateful to my family and friends for their constant support' Getting emotional, Priyank says, 'I am grateful to my family and friends for their constant support. When I was a kid, my dad always inspired me to pursue my dream of playing for India. After he left us, my mom (Dipti) and sister (Brinda) made sure that I could focus on cricket and not worry about anything else. They kept believing in me even when I did not do well. My wife (Kalna) and in-laws have been a constant source of strength too. I couldn't have achieved whatever I have done without them.' He adds, 'After I informed my family about retirement, they said, 'Do whatever you feel is right. We are always there for you.' Everyone agreed that it was a practical decision.' Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
India.com
28-05-2025
- Sport
- India.com
After Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, another top cricketer announces retirement before England tour, he is..., he will now play...
In these collection of pictures, we find out about the top Indian cricketer who has announced his retirement after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of India's five-Test tour of England. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirement from Test cricket this month ahead of India's five-Test tour vs England which begins in Leeds next month. Rohit Sharma turned out in 67 Tests for Team India, scoring 4301 runs with 12 hundreds and 18 fifties. Virat Kohli played in 123 Tests for Team India, scoring 9230 runs with 30 hundreds and 31 fifties. Image credit: X (Formerly Twitter) Gujarat batter Priyank Panchal announced his retirement from first-class cricket earlier this week. Panchal turned out for 'A' teams of Team India but never played international cricket. Image credit: X (Formerly Twitter) Priyank Panchal scored over 8800 runs in first-class cricket at an average of 45.18 with 29 centuries. Image credit: X (Formerly Twitter) Priyank Panchal also played in 97 List A matches and 59 T20s, scoring 3672 and 1522 runs respectively. Image credit: X (Formerly Twitter) Priyank Panchal will now play in International Legends Championships 2025 which features retired international cricketers. Panchal is part of Indian Warriors team which also has the likes of Shikhar Dhawan and Pawan Negi.
NDTV
27-05-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
"It's Not Going To Happen": Heartbroken Domestic Stalwart Retires Over Unfulfilled Team India Dream
The competition in the Indian cricketing spectrum unarguably remains the toughest of all. While new heroes are unearthed every single year, very few manage to hold on to the upper echelon of Indian cricket. One such story is Priyank Panchal 's, a veteran of 127 FC matches, 97 List-A games, and 59 T20s. Despite being one of the most consistent batters in the domestic spectrum, Priyank couldn't succeed in making his debut for the Indian team across any of the three formats. On Monday, he decided to hang up his boots from First Class Cricket. Priyank came close to making his debut for India on the South Africa tour in 2021-22 but couldn't get the baggy blue cap. Admitting that 'it isn't going to happen anymore', the batter settled with whatever his cricketing fate had to offer so far. In an interview with the Hindustan Times, Priyank admitted that the topic of retirement was on his mind for a while. "For a long time, it was in my mind that I should retire. Because, when I started playing cricket, there was a driving force that I wanted to play for India. Along with the driving force, there was discipline and dedication. But after a point, I got practical, I didn't think that it was possible. I tried my best. I mean, I played for India A, and I played in the Ranji Trophy. But I realised it's time now. It's not going to happen anymore," he said. Over and out. Onto greener pastures now. — Priyank Panchal (@PKpanchal09) May 26, 2025 When asked if the failure to make India debut remains in his heart as a regret, Priyank didn't hesitate in admitting that it was the case. "Not being able to play is definitely a regret. But at the same time, it is also an achievement. If the cricketing level is from 1-10, I was there till 9. I couldn't play. Obviously, it is a regret. But sharing the dressing room with Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin was a big deal. It was a very professional environment. At the same time, it was very welcoming. It was very competitive. I learned a lot from that environment," the Gujarat batter said. Priyank also explained how even scoring hundreds after hundreds might not be enough for a player to secure an international spot. "Obviously, consistency is important. It is important to perform as a player. But it is also important to perform at the right time. In international cricket, timing is very important. If you are consistently scoring 100 after 100, but your team is not winning, that is not the right time. But even if you are scoring 30 runs but your team is winning, your contribution holds great value. That is the requirement for international cricket. I learned a lot from that," he asserted.
Hindustan Times
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
'I got practical, realised I won't be able to play for India anymore': Priyank Panchal on retirement
Priyank Panchal, the former captain of Gujarat and India A, announced his retirement on Monday, bringing a close to his illustrious 17-year cricketing journey. At 35, he stands alongside domestic cricket legends like Amol Mazumdar, Padmakar Shivalkar, Rajinder Goel, and Mithun Manhas, who, despite delivering outstanding performances season after season in prestigious tournaments such as the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, never had the opportunity to don the Indian senior men's team jersey. Panchal finished his career with an impressive 8,856 runs in First-Class cricket, amassing 29 centuries and 34 fifties. Most notably, he captained Gujarat to their historic first Ranji Trophy triumph in the 2016-17 season and also led the team to victory in the Vijay Hazare Trophy the previous year. As Gujarat's second-highest run-scorer in FC cricket, trailing only Parthiv Patel, Panchal holds the record for the most centuries by a Gujarat player, with a remarkable tally of 23. Panchal played 127 FC matches, 97 List-A games, and 59 T20s throughout his career, and his trophy cabinet boasts a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title from the 2014-15 season. In his final domestic outing, Panchal played a stellar knock of 148 runs in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 semi-final against Kerala. Despite his heroics, heartbreak followed as Gujarat narrowly missed a spot in the final, with Kerala securing a slender first-innings lead. Hours after announcing his retirement, Panchal reflected warmly on his career, cherishing its greatest highlights. He shared fond memories of dressing room moments with cricketing icons Virat Kohli, Rahul Dravid, and Ravichandran Ashwin during the 2021-22 South Africa tour, where he nearly made his Test debut as Rohit Sharma's replacement. For a long time, it was in my mind that I should retire. Because, when I started playing cricket, there was a driving force that I wanted to play for India. Along with the driving force, there was discipline and dedication. But after a point, I got practical, I didn't think that it was possible. I tried my best. I mean, I played for India A, and I played in the Ranji Trophy. But I realised it's time now. It's not going to happen anymore. I started playing cricket because my father also played cricket. I have seen him play cricket. So, he got me started in the coaching camp. He made me work really hard. He taught me the basics. He played a big role in my life. Unfortunately, he passed away when I was 15. But I had to carry on what he taught me. Along with the basics, I also had to improvise. Because there are different challenges at every stage. So, I kept learning at every stage. And I reached a level where I could even play for India. I started improving my game. Obviously, the basics came from him. Along with the basics, he always wanted me to play a Test match. He kept on teaching me how to work hard, be consistent, and use technique. He played a big role. I would say that I have learned a lot from cricket. Dedication, discipline, mindset. Whatever I do in my next career, there is a never-giving-up approach. At some point, I will feel like I have to give up. But cricket has taught me that for 17 years, there was a time when I had to give up. But no, I kept going. So, I have learnt consistency and patience. I think it will definitely help me in the next phase of my career. That season was a turning point in my career, as were the previous two seasons, in which I scored 650 runs and 550 runs, respectively. So, I had the confidence that if I can score 500 runs, I can score 600 runs. If I can score 600 runs, I can score 900-1000 runs. So, I had that confidence. I can say that it was a turning point in my career. I scored 1300 runs. After that, I achieved a lot of things. I learnt a lot of things. I did a captaincy in India A. I played for India A. I won two trophies. I was in the Indian team. So, it was a turning point. India A is important because the bowlers you play with and the team you play with are the ones who are going to play for India. I played with the likes of Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Mohammed Siraj. I can say that 70-80 percent of the squad who are playing now are from India A. It is like an exposure tour. It is completely for exposure. The bowlers and the opponents who play there are also from the international side. So, it comes with a lot of opportunity as well as a lot of responsibility. If you perform well, you get a call from India. That's why India A is so important. Not being able to play is definitely a regret. But at the same time, it is also an achievement. If the cricketing level is from 1-10, I was there till 9. I couldn't play. Obviously, it is a regret. But sharing the dressing room with Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin was a big deal. It was a very professional environment. At the same time, it was very welcoming. It was very competitive. I learned a lot from that environment. Obviously, consistency is important. It is important to perform as a player. But it is also important to perform at the right time. In international cricket, timing is very important. If you are consistently scoring 100 after 100, but your team is not winning, that is not the right time. But even if you are scoring 30 runs but your team is winning, your contribution holds great value. That is the requirement for international cricket. I learned a lot from that. The mindset of a test cricketer is different. I would advise the youngsters to never compare your T20 game with a Test match or ODI. It is completely different. There are two different things. One has a different mindset. If you learn to have a different mindset, you can achieve anything you want to achieve in Test cricket as well as in white-ball cricket. In Test cricket, there are more chances. It is very important to leave the ball. If a youngster has a different mindset and is able to adapt, they can achieve whatever they want. It was very heartbreaking for our team, but I would say that I am happy. We were very much happy to reach the semi-final. Obviously, our aim was to play in the final and win the tournament. But we couldn't do anything about it. In the end, our batter got out after the ball got deflected off the helmet. We were going pretty much on the right track, but these things can happen.
