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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.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Glad to have finally fulfilled my mother's Hajj dream: Tarannum Pathan
Tarannum Pathan; (below) with her mother Mumtaz Banu While growing up, Tarannum Pathan 's family never had it easy, as their financial condition wasn't good. However, things are much better today and the all-rounder from Vadodara, who was bought by Team Gujarat for ₹10 lakh at the Women's Premier League (WPL) auction in 2023, has managed to fulfil a long-cherished dream. She tells us, 'My mother (Mumtaz Banu) wanted to go for Hajj for a very long time, but we couldn't afford it earlier. It was my dream to make this dream come true and I had promised her, 'Main aap ko Hajj ke liye bhejungi.' When I was selected to play in the league, it made things easy for me. I feel glad to have finally fulfilled my mother's Hajj dream.' She adds, 'I feel grateful because thanks to cricket, kaafi chhote chhote wishes jo hain, woh poore hue hain. She was overjoyed when she got to know about her trip. Paisa toh kal bhi bana lenge, lekin agar mummy khush hain, toh mere liye wahi sabse badi baat hai.' 'I am trying to improve my game' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Tarannum, the first woman cricketer from Gujarat to pick up 200 wickets in different formats, represented Team Baroda for 16 years but currently, she represents Team Goa. This being the off season, she has been training in Vadodara. She tells us, 'I am taking things one day at a time now. During the last season, while I picked up wickets for Goa, I was not happy about my performances as a batter. I am trying to improve my game and make sure that I don't repeat the mistakes that I made last season. I am looking forward to the practice matches.' 'Now, there's tough competition in women's cricket too' Talking about her dream of representing India, she says, 'Although I got to play only one WPL match last year, I got to learn a lot by sharing the dressing room with some terrific players. It was wonderful to interact with cricketers from other countries. They are very open-minded and don't judge people. It was also wonderful to be guided by legends like Mithali Raj.' Tarannum adds, 'Cricket has become a very fast game and now, there's tough competition in women's cricket too. I am focused on doing well this season because if I play well, there is no reason why I can't get selected in the Indian team. If you perform well, age doesn't matter. Pretty recently, Asha Sobhana made her debut for India at 33. It was heartening to see that.' 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.
