Former India player and Railways captain Sanjay Bangar on Tuesday announced his retirement from first-class cricket after guiding his team to a 122-run victory over Bengal in the final league game of the Ranji Trophy here.
“I was hoping Railways would qualify for the knockout stage of the Ranji Trophy. Since we didn’t qualify, I thought it appropriate to call time. It’s been a fabulous journey and I have enjoyed every bit of it,” said the 40-year-old, who played 12 Tests and 15 ODIs.
Bangar scored 470 runs and claimed seven wickets in 12 Tests. He made a century against Zimbabwe but will forever be remembered for a fighting 68 against England on a seaming track at Headingley in 2002.
He was praised by one and all for his dogged batting against the likes of Andy Caddick, Mathew Hoggard and Andrew Flintoff as he put on 170 runs with Rahul Dravid.
“The Test century against Zimbabwe was special, but, yes, I became a household name because of that innings at Headingley. That gave me an identity. Being a part of the squad that played the 2003 World Cup final was also special,” Bangar recollected.
No regrets
The soft-spoken all-rounder said he had no regrets that he had not had a long and fruitful international career.
“During the group stages of the 2003 World Cup, I was still hoping that I might get a look in. But once the winning combination clicked, I knew that I didn’t have a chance of playing. No regrets though as not many were a part of the World Cup final squad. I had a very poor Test series in New Zealand and I was dropped. I can’t complain,” Bangar said.
