Praveen Kumar, who played a key role in India’s victory over Australia in the 2008 CB tri-series in 2008, recently announced his retirement from all forms of cricket at the age of 32.
Speaking to the Indian Express, the pace bowler from Meerut said, “My time is over and I have accepted it. I’m happy and thankful to god for giving me this chance.”
Following the announcement, tributes for Kumar flowed in from team-mates and commentators. Rohit Sharma hailed his contributions along with Aakash Chopra, Manoj Tiwary and Sreevats Goswami. However, there was not even a mention of Kumar’s retirement on the official website of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
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A scan through the news section of the BCCI finds no mention or tribute to Kumar on their website. At the time of publishing the article, there was still no news of Praveen Kumar’s retirement.
Sensation Down Under
Praveen Kumar started his India career in grand style by taking 10 wickets in three games in the CB tri-series in Australia. His haul of 4/46 in the second final in Brisbane helped India win a triangular series in Australia for the first time. In 68 games, Kumar picked up 77 wickets.
In Tests, Kumar will be remembered for his haul of 5/106 against England in Lord’s 2011 that put him on the honour’s board.
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Heartbreak and controversy
Praveen Kumar missed the victorious 2011 World Cup campaign due to an elbow injury. It only got worse as he was forced to spend time on the sidelines due to dengue. Slowly, Kumar drifted out of contention and he was never picked in the Indian team.
In 2013, during a corporate match in Uttar Pradesh, Kumar’s aggressive behaviour resulted in the match referee terming his mental condition ‘’unstable’’.
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