Exactly 13 years after making his debut for India in an ODI against Zimbabwe, left-arm seamer RP Singh announced his retirement. The 32-year-old took to Twitter to pen an emotional note explaining his decision to hang up his boots.
RP had made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe on September 4, 2005 in Harare. His Test debut was against Pakistan at Faisalabad in 2006.
In total, he played 14 Tests, 58 ODIs and 10 T20Is and finished with 124 wickets in international cricket across all formats.
Although he played only 10 T20Is, he will forever be etched in the memory of every Indian cricket fan for his performance in the inaugural Twenty20 World in South Africa. In six matches during the tournament, the speedster finished with 12 wickets and played a key role as MS Dhoni led side won the World T20 2007 by beating Pakistan in the final.
He last made appearance for India during an ODI match at Cardiff. Since then, the left-arm pacer hasn’t played for India even as he developed into a lethal weapon in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
His retirement has prompted plenty of messages on social media by former teammates and even opponents.
Twitter reactions from the cricket fraternity as RP Singh announced his retirement:
Wishing you all the success ahead my friend @rpsingh! Glad I have been a part of your journey & played many matches together where we shared the moments of highs & lows, joy & success! Here is to a new start and I’m sure you will continue to inspire us in many ways as always! https://t.co/kQ0BvgEQSA
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) September 5, 2018
Well done on your career brother. You should be proud of what you have done for our country,coming from a small town @rpsingh pic.twitter.com/yP3b6B6FHQ
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) September 5, 2018
Well played RP. Wish you all the success , luck and best wishes in this new phase of life.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) September 4, 2018
Wish you a very very happy second innings RP. May God bless you
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 5, 2018
Congratulations on a very good career RP. Wish you a very joyful second innings.
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) September 5, 2018
I hope you have a wonderful retirement! You will be missed, but never forgotten.thank you for being there always…#WellPlayedRP
— parthiv patel (@parthiv9) September 5, 2018
It is my pleasure to know you personally and have played along side you for our #Country, #deccanchargers and #mumbaiindians. Wishing you a lovely life post retirement and best wishes for the future endeavours! @rpsingh #Godspeed https://t.co/sFIKxeKchX
— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) September 4, 2018
All the best RP I will cherish our battle in the cricket field and out of the field you are a great friend! 👍🏻good luck in your new innings hopefully see you soon in future!
— Faisal Iqbal🇵🇰🏏فیصل اقبال (@FaisalIqbalCric) September 4, 2018
Congrats on a wonderful career, mate. Wish you a fruitful second innings. 👍😊 https://t.co/DRywa4jLua
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 4, 2018
Innings well played mate. All the very best for your next innings 👍 https://t.co/tNVIuTT1HP
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) September 4, 2018
Well played @rpsingh !! N best wishes for ur future endeavours !! https://t.co/M9pS5hgO41
— Mithun Manhas (@MithunManhas) September 4, 2018
Congratulations bro, wishing you all luck in your life ..from here on, see you soon 😃👍🏼☝🏻 https://t.co/losPcVLAKG
— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) September 5, 2018
From sharing the dressing room to being my mentor and an invaluable friend @rpsingh you have always been a source of inspiration. Best wishes for the second innings.
— Tanmay Srivastava (@srivastavtanmay) September 5, 2018
