Pacer R Vinay Kumar, former member of
the Indian national team and the Karnataka domestic side, announced his
retirement from both international and first-class cricket. Kumar represented
India in several matches and led his state side to Ranji Trophy victories in
consequent seasons. The 37-year-old has, so far, played 31 ODIs, one Test match,
and nine T20 International matches for India, reported PTI.

Displaying exceptional performances,
Kumar picked up a total of 504 wickets in 1389 matches in first class cricket, averaging a superb 22.44
with a 32/8 bowling figure being his career best statistic.

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“Today ‘Davangere Express’ after
running for 25 years and passing so many stations of cricketing life, has
finally arrived at a station called ‘Retirement’. With a lot of mixed emotions,
I, Vinay Kumar R, hereby announce my retirement from international and first
class cricket.

It is not an easy decision to make,
however, there comes a time in every sportsperson’s life where one has to call
it a day”, Kumar said in his statement, as per PTI.

He further had led Karnataka to two
successive Ranji Trophy wins in 2013-2014 and 2014-2015.

The pacer appeared in the IPL for four franchises over the years: Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Mumbai Indians, and Kolkata Knight Riders.

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“My cricketing experience has been
enriched by playing under the great minds of Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid, MS
Dhoni, Virendra Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina and Rohit
Sharma to name the few”, the fast bowler was further quoted as saying, with a further
mention to Sachin Tendulkar, who the pacer thanked for acting as a mentor
during Kumar’s time playing for Mumbai Indians in 2008.