In a heartfelt announcement that marks the end of an era, Indian fast bowler Ankit Rajpoot has officially retired from Indian cricket. The 31-year-old Uttar Pradesh pacer brought the curtains down on a professional career that spanned over 15 years, highlighted by several domestic milestones and memorable IPL spells.
Ankit Rajpoot may not have donned the Indian national team jersey for long, but his consistency and determination at the domestic level made him a standout performer, especially in the red-ball format.
A Promising Start with Uttar Pradesh
Hailing from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Ankit Rajpoot made his first-class debut in 2012. From the very beginning, he showed signs of becoming a quality fast bowler. He quickly rose through the ranks with his ability to extract bounce and seam movement, especially on helpful tracks.
His breakthrough came during the 2012–13 Ranji Trophy season where he played a crucial role in Uttar Pradesh's campaign. Over time, he became a vital cog in the state team’s bowling unit. By the end of his career, he had taken 248 wickets in 82 first-class matches — a testament to his workhorse mentality and skill.
IPL Journeyman: From CSK to LSG
Ankit’s foray into the Indian Premier League (IPL) began in 2013 when he was picked by Chennai Super Kings. While he didn’t play many games initially, he got a taste of the big stage early on. Over the years, he would go on to represent a number of franchises, including:
- Chennai Super Kings (2013)
- Kolkata Knight Riders (2016–17)
- Kings XI Punjab (2018–2019)
- Rajasthan Royals (2020)
- Lucknow Super Giants (2022)
His most memorable IPL performance came in 2018 when he was playing for Kings XI Punjab. He took a stunning 5/14 against Sunrisers Hyderabad — one of the best bowling figures ever by an uncapped Indian player in IPL history.
Despite not being a regular fixture in any franchise, Ankit was known for his accuracy, clever variations, and ability to bowl in the powerplay and death overs.
A Career Built on Consistency
While Rajpoot never made a permanent mark on the international circuit, he was a consistent performer in the domestic arena. In addition to his first-class exploits, he also featured in 55 List A matches and 82 T20s, picking up more than 200 wickets across formats.
Coaches, selectors, and teammates often praised his dedication to the game. He was a bowler who stuck to the basics — hit the deck hard, maintain discipline, and let the ball do the talking. That’s why even when not in the limelight, he remained a key component in UP’s bowling attack year after year.
Ankit Rajpoot's Official Retirement Announcement
In his retirement post, Ankit Rajpoot expressed gratitude to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA), and all his coaches and supporters. He wrote that it had been a “wonderful journey,” and now was the right time to “move on and make way for the next generation.”
He also hinted at continuing his career in other leagues or formats outside the Indian domestic circuit, possibly exploring opportunities abroad like many former Indian players.
Legacy and Future
Ankit Rajpoot's career may not be decorated with international caps, but it is a testament to the depth and quality of Indian domestic cricket. Players like him form the backbone of India’s cricketing pyramid — tirelessly working, training, and performing in the background, often away from the glare of media and fans.
His retirement also opens up a slot in the UP team for a younger fast bowler to emerge. With India’s pace stocks growing richer by the year, the road Ankit paved may soon see the rise of the next cricketing star from Uttar Pradesh.
As fans and fellow players wish him the best, Rajpoot can look back with pride. He leaves behind a career defined by persistence, professionalism, and the quiet dignity of a true team man.
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