Just five days before his 40th birthday, Vidarbha skipper and leg-spinner Sairaj Bahutule called it quits after his team managed a draw against Delhi in its last Ranji Trophy match of the season at the old VCA ground here on Tuesday.
During a period dominated by the legendary Anil Kumble, Bahutule, who was rated highly, always remained on the fringe at his prime. He played two Tests, against Australia and Sri Lanka, and eight One-Day Internationals for the country taking three and two wickets respectively.
His domestic career, spanning 20 years, was more prolific. He captured 630 first class wickets with 27 five-wicket hauls and scored over 6,000 runs, including nine centuries.
Announcing his retirement, Bahutule said leading Mumbai to a Ranji Trophy title win in 2008 would remain one of the high points of his career. “I have no regrets. I played well in every season. In future I will stay connected to cricketing activities,” he said.
Bahutule, who also played for Maharashtra, said the role of professional cricketers in domestic cricket was essential for the development of the sport.
